More Gardening Tips for Seniors
Gardening is a great activity for seniors and has many physical and mental health benefis.
Gardening is an enjoyable pastime and an excellent form of exercise for seniors to build mobility, flexibility, the use of motor skills, strength and endurance.
Puttering around in the garden on a warm Spring wad can also help prevent osteoporosis, reduces stress levels and help you rest better at night.
Here are some suggestions for safe and healthy gardening:
* Drink plenty of liquids (avoiding alcohol), to keep your body well hydrated.
* Take care of cuts, bruises scrapes and insect bites right away to help avoid infection.
* Work in the garden early in the morning or late in the day to avoid the hot midday sun.
* Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Wear a hat and gloves to cover your skin. Remember to use sunscreen.
Don’t overexert yourself. Take breaks when you feel you need them.
Rotate your gardening tasks every half hour. This will help you to use your larger muscles and be less taxing on those smaller muscles that can cause soreness. Avoid using tools that will put you in awkward body positions. Use a new breed of ergonomic garden tools which are designed to work in conjunction with your body movements. These tools are also light and sturdy to give you better control.
Here are a few more safety tips and easy steps that seniors should take into consideration when gardening. They will help prevent injury and minor aches and pains:
* Be careful with power tools.
* Plant vertical or raised garden beds to avoid bending or stooping
* Bend at the knees and hips,
* Avoid twisting the forearm back and forth. Instead, work with your hands in a neutral position.
* Wear gardening gloves
* Work below shoulder level and keep tour elbows partially bent.
* Provide yourself with shaded areas for working whenever possible
1 comment May 20th, 2009
