Gardening for healthy ageing

Watch the video to learn about John’s garden and his top tips for safe gardening.

The benefits of gardening as you age

Gardening is one of the most popular activities in Australia. It combines movement, creativity, and time outdoors, all of which can help you stay healthy as you age. 

Some key benefits of gardening include: 

• Staying active and improving your strength, balance, and endurance 
• Reducing stress and boosting relaxation 
• Building social connections 
• Growing food and herbs that support a healthy diet 
• Boosting creativity and brain health 

How gardening supports positive ageing

According to a 2020 review in BMJ Open, gardening supports many aspects of your health. These benefits work together to help you age your way: 

• Mental health: Tending to the garden calms your nervous system. It helps you manage emotions, reduce stress, and build self-esteem. 
• Physical health: Activities like digging, watering, and pruning count as daily exercise. 
• Social life: Community gardens and clubs help you connect with others. You can learn new skills and feel supported. 
• Brain health: Designing and caring for a garden is a purposeful activity. It gets you thinking creatively, which is good for your brain. Reducing stress, staying active, and connecting with others also help protect your brain and memory over time. 

Tips for gardening safely as you age

LiveUp’s allied health professionals recommend these simple ways to stay safe while gardening: 

• Wear sunscreen, a hat, gloves, and supportive footwear. 
• Garden in the morning or late afternoon to avoid heat. 
• Keep a chair and water bottle nearby and take regular breaks to drink water. 
• Change positions regularly and avoid kneeling or bending for too long. 
• Clear walkways of hazards and ensure they’re even and non-slip. 
• Stretch before and after gardening to prevent injury. 

Gardening tools and products to make tasks easier

A few garden tasks may become harder with age, injury, or arthritis. Some low-risk assistive technology (AT) can help you keep gardening – with less strain.  

AT might sound complicated, but it just refers to products that make everyday life simpler. Some useful gardening AT options include: 

• Raised garden beds and vertical wall gardens – bring plants within easy reach 
• Retractable hanging baskets – so you don't need to stretch as much 
• Easy-grip or long-handled tools – reduce hand, wrist, and back strain 

Looking for more ways to make gardening easier? 

• You can explore our full adaptive gardening tools guide.  
• Or, if you prefer a quick reference, you can print our short list of 10 helpful gardening tools for older people. 

Assistive technology with Better Homes and Gardens

Watch this video segment from Better Homes and Gardens to see some examples of practical gardening products that make tasks easier and safer.

Gardening groups in Australia

Gardening groups meet regularly to: 

• Maintain and cultivate local food and herb gardens 
• Attend discussions, workshops, or seminars 
• Help care for community native habitats 
• Foster friendship and social connection 

It doesn't matter if you're new to gardening or experienced. Community gardens are a welcoming way to meet people and share skills.  

Bryan's community garden

Watch the video to hear a firsthand experience of the benefits of community gardens.

Where to find gardening groups in Australia 

Two useful resources for finding gardening groups include: 

• Community Gardens Australia  
• Garden Clubs of Australia 

Both offer advice on joining a local group and getting involved. 

You can also search LiveUp’s activities database to find gardening groups in your area. 

Getting support 

An occupational therapist (OT) can: 

• Suggest tools and techniques for your needs 
• Help adapt your garden tasks 
• Provide strategies to protect your joints and maintain independence 

Find an OT near you through Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA). 

Can’t find an OT in your area through OTA? You can also check Healthdirect’s tool for finding an OT by location. 

If you need more information about healthy ageing, take the LiveUp quiz or get in touch with one of our helpful team on 1800 951 971. 

References

Howarth, M., Brettle, A., Hardman, M., & Maden, M. (2020). What is the evidence for the impact of gardens and gardening on health and well-being: A scoping review and evidence-based logic model to guide healthcare strategy decision-making on the use of gardening approaches as a social prescription. BMJ Open, 10(7). https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/10/7/e036923 

How to use this information

LiveUp provides free information to help you make informed decisions about your health. This information is for general and educational purposes only, is not intended to provide a comprehensive guide, and does not replace medical advice. Everyone is different, so some of these tips may work better for you than others. You should use your own judgment and seek medical advice when applying this information to yourself, to determine if it is suitable in your circumstances. Your use of, or reliance on, this information is solely at your own risk. Independent Living Assessment Incorporated is not responsible or liable for any injury, loss, or damage caused as a result of your use of, or reliance on, this information.

Read more Social articles

Did you enjoy this article? You may also like reading similar healthy ageing articles.

See all Social articles