A bountiful garden isn’t just beautiful to look at – it’s also great for your health. As you get older, gardening is a great hobby to pick up in order to stay active and happy.
Here are a few benefits of gardening for seniors – and some quick tips on how you can get involved. 
How Gardening Benefits Seniors
The benefits of gardening for all people – including seniors – are endless. Here are some of the best reasons to start a garden this spring.
1. Improved Immunity
Gardening lets you get down and dirty – but ironically, it can work wonders when it comes to your immune system. There are tiny bacteria in garden soil known as Mycobacterium vaccae. These can not only boost your immune system but also reduce symptoms of allergies, psoriasis, asthma, and more.
2. Stress Relief
You’re not just imagining it. Working in the garden is a great way to unwind. It can lower cortisol levels in your brain.
3. Cognitive Benefits
One study even showed that gardening can lower the risk of dementia by up to 36%. THat’s significant, especially when you consider that gardening can also improve your sensory awareness, motor skills, and dexterity.
4. A Great Form of Exercise
As you probably have already realized, gardening is an excellent form of exercise. It’s low impact yet hearty, helping you to slow down the aging process. To avoid common gardener’s problems like carpal tunnel syndrome, do some light stretching before you start working in your flower beds.
5. Increased Happiness
Feeling a little blue? If so, it might be time to get green!
Fresh air works wonders for your mood, as does sunshine. Sun not only encourages your body to produce vitamin D but it also boosts the levels of serotonin in your brain. Serotonin is the chemical responsible for making you feel calm, centered, and of course, happy!
Gardening Projects That Are Great for Seniors
Ready to get started? Here are some great gardening projects for seniors!
Create a Terrarium
One easy way to start a garden is to create a terrarium. You can do this project indoors or outside, making it a great option for those endless winter days.
Terrariums are simply indoor gardening containers that are either partially or fully enclosed to allow heat and moisture to stay inside. You can build a terrarium out of items you have at home, like mason jars or goldfish bowls! They’re great for growing things like air plants.
Grow a Basic Veggie Plot
Want to embark on a more utilitarian gardening project? Why not start a veggie plot? You don’t need much space to grow a salad garden or herb bed. You can even do it on a sunny windowsill! Make a list of the veggies you like to eat most and start planning out your garden today.
Start Digging!
Gardening is a great way for seniors to get some exercise and fresh air, while also enjoying the benefits of spending time outdoors. Just be sure to take precautions against potential injuries, like using proper gardening tools and wearing sunscreen and a hat. And if you’re not quite up for starting your own garden plot, consider volunteering at a local community garden or joining a gardening club.
With all these options available, there’s no excuse not to enjoy the wonderful world of gardening!