Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Ways Of Implementing Therapeutic Gardening For Seniors

By Lucia Weeks


Horticulture therapy traces its roots in the early 19th century as a way of supplementing medical procedures. Care givers used this form of therapy to engage patients in minor activities that have long term benefits. Studies into therapeutic gardening for seniors reveal such benefits as stress relief and relaxation. It gives the elderly a sense of accomplishment beyond occupying their time meaningfully.

There are physical, emotional and psychological benefits to be accrued from gardening therapy. It provides a perfect platform for socialization within the community. Plants are not judgmental and neither do they threaten. This is a soothing aspect that makes farming therapy desirable.

Green surroundings are more peaceful. They motivate individuals into movement which enhances their coordination. Such an environment is stress free. The elderly are comfortable with plants since they do not threaten them. This is a perfect environment for retirement.

Vegetation blooms or responds whenever it is given attention. The green effect and flowering boost the confidence of elderly and the disabled. The result of constant watering and nurturing is a greener compound. The plants are responding to continuous attention and indicating that time and effort were not wasted.

The rewards of horticulture therapy include confidence boosting. The sense of accomplishment that comes with blooming flowers makes the person to believe that he is still capable. The senior confirms that he or she can still do something beautiful. It is an indication that his ability is not entirely lost in disease, injury or old age.

Benefits attributed to gardening therapy include task initiation, memory and cognitive ability. It keeps the mind alive as well as enhancing language skills. Most of the farming work is done in groups. This instills a sense of shared responsibility. It also presents an opportunity to actively socialize. Beautiful gardens invite people into movement as they prune, water, weed or walk around admiring the plants.

The physical benefits of gardening therapy include stronger muscles. The physical act of nurturing flowers involves stretching, bending and lifting firm equipment to water, prune or weed. The elderly enhance their coordination as well as gain an incredible sense of balance. They enjoy being productive instead of sitting around.

The time between planting and flowering is crucial at a psychological level. The elderly are either waiting for flowers or fruits from the plants. This makes their time worthwhile since they can see results. Their endurance is also tested and affirmed since they can see seeds turning into seedlings and eventual shrubs or fruits. This is significant in giving them a sense of purpose.

Farming therapy is an incredible way of covering the long idle spells witnessed in many homes for seniors. A horticultural patch will keep them occupied. It results in a beautiful compound which gives them a sense of productivity. They are contributing to the beauty of their environment.

It is challenging to nurture horticultural produce. There are directions to follow as well as farming or growth problems to solve. When seniors are involved in all these activities they feel part of a solution or process of creation. They eventually enjoy the fruits of their labor and have a lot of fun being directed by an expert.




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