“But though an old man, I am but a young gardener.” Thomas Jefferson
Letter to Charles Willson Peale (Aug. 20, 1811)
Spending time surrounded by plants and working the land can have various positive effects on one’s health. One study by the Master Gardener Foundation of Spokane, Washington found that hospital patients with plants in their room displayed less fatigue, anxiety and pain and often had shorter hospital stays. Children with Attention Deficit Disorder have shown a reduction of symptoms when they have access to play in grassy outdoor spaces. Those with clinical depression who participate in gardening activities experience a reduction in the severity of symptoms. Gardening on a daily basis was found to reduce the risk factors for dementia by 36%. Dementia patients with access to gardens experience fewer injuries, improved sleep patterns and display less aggression and agitation.
Mayo Clinic and AARP consider gardening to be good exercise and their studies have found the activity to lower stress and anxiety and encourage better eating habits. In addition, it increases vitamin D and calcium levels due to sun exposure. Vitamin D boosts the immune system and strengthens bones. The risk of skin cancer must be considered of course, but the science is clear: a little sunshine in the garden goes a very long way in your body – just don’t forget a hat and good sunscreen! Both organizations encourage joining a garden club or participating in a community garden project as they have the added benefit of combating loneliness, which in turn improves quality of life.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also classifies gardening as exercise. Raking and cutting grass fall under the category of light to moderate exercise. Shoveling, digging, planting and pruning are considered vigorous exercise. Just a moderate amount of exercise each day reduces the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and heart disease. Ask any gardener how all that pulling, stretching, twisting, bending and lifting works muscles! Despite a few aches the next day, those gardening workouts strengthens the body, increase stamina and flexibility, lift spirits and fight depression and anxiety. And on top of all this, what is more delightful than tending to a garden?
So, pick up that trowel and dig your way to health and happiness – and remain a young gardener!
