samedi 13 décembre 2014

How To Implement Therapeutic Gardening For Seniors

By Lucia Weeks


Horticulture therapy has been in use as early as the 19th century. Its benefits are documented by care givers who used the technique to supplement medical procedures. Therapeutic gardening for seniors helps in relaxing the mind as well as easing stress. It has been ascertained as one of the most effective ways of engaging the elderly by giving them a sense of purpose.

Gardening therapy offers physical, emotional as well as spiritual benefits. It is a way of socializing at old age through minor duties. One aspect that makes plants desirable for the elderly is the fact that they do not judge. Blooming vegetation and especially flowers create a soothing and lively atmosphere that is desired by the elderly.

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.

Plants are known to respond whenever you provide them with care. This attribute is important for individuals with disability. They can see flowers blooming or a compound that is greener because of their effort. This is a great psychological reward. Their time and effort are never wasted.

Farming therapy boosts the confidence of participants through tangible results. The blooming flowers and green results of a well nurtured patch indicate capability. The message communicated by the garden is that their work is not in vain. It shows continued productivity regardless of old age, injury or disease.

The benefits of gardening therapy include improved cognitive ability, task initiation and memory. The mind feels alive and is able to maintain excellent language skills. Horticultural activities are undertaken in groups. This offers a perfect socialization platform as the community plants, waters, prunes or just admires the work of their hands.

Beyond the psychological benefits of horticulture therapy, the elderly benefit through strengthened muscles. Nurturing flowers is a physical act that requires bending, stretching and lifting equipment around the garden. This will improve their coordination as well as give them a sense of balance.

A lot of time lapses between planting and flowering. This gives the people involved something tangible to wait for. Psychologically, their time is spent in something real and visible. It tests their endurance since they have to wait for a seedling to turn into a young shrub and eventually the garden becomes a bush.

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.

Horticulture is challenging and requires strict directions. Even at old age, the elderly need to know how to follow directions. They understand how to solve problems and feel rewarded when they see the fruits of their labor. It can be done on flower gardens or vegetable gardens with the guidance of an expert.




About the Author:



Aucun commentaire:

Enregistrer un commentaire