Working in the garden is a great way to stay physically active, and being outdoors is good for your emotional well-being. However, seniors might have some limitations when it comes to gardening. From concerns about arthritis to falls and risks from heat, older adults have to be a little more cautious. These gardening and landscaping ideas are low-maintenance and budget-friendly to keep you enjoying the outdoors safely and without breaking the bank.
Easier Access
Gardening is an ideal form of physical activity for seniors because it’s low-impact and helps build strength. Even with these benefits, kneeling and shoveling are a little harder as we get older. One way to avoid unnecessary strain is to make your garden spaces easier to access. Raised beds that are waist high are ideal for eliminating bending, and as an added benefit, they keep your garden neat and contained. Some vegetable plants do better grown vertically on a trellis, which is another inexpensive and easy solution for keeping everything within reach.
If you enjoy spending leisure time in your yard, consider adding inexpensive outdoor seating, like one of these ideas from This Old House. Make sure your outdoor living spaces are safe and easily accessible too. And having an outdoor living space close to your house is also ideal for container gardening.
Keep It Low Maintenance
Another strategy for making your landscaping and gardening projects a little easier on you is to choose plants that are low maintenance. For beautiful blooms, plant perennials that come back year after year. Then fill in plant beds with evergreens so you have color to enjoy year round. And if mowing has become too great of a chore, you may want to get rid of grass and opt instead for a hardy but attractive ground cover.
To make your low-maintenance plants even easier to care for, use mulch in planting areas. Mulch helps stop weeds from creeping in and helps plants retain moisture and nutrients, which means less watering and feeding are required. Of course, mulch looks nice, too, so it’s an easy and inexpensive way to make your lawn and garden stand out.
Safety First
Outdoor safety is important at every age, and as you get older, the risk of accidents like falling become more concerning. Landscape lighting can increase outdoor safety by illuminating especially dark areas of your yard or patio and by making it easy to see outdoor stairs. Flood lights can be installed on the exterior of your home or garage to illuminate dark places in your yard, deck, patio, or driveway. In addition, the installation of step lights can prevent accidents from happening when you or guests walk up and down stairs outside of your home. These inexpensive lighting solutions are the best way to protect yourself and anyone else who visits.
Keep safety in mind when you’re out working in the garden during the daytime, too. Anytime it’s hot and sunny, be sure to wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen. When it comes to clothing, HGTV recommends cotton because it’s light and breathable. Always be aware of the heat as well because seniors are at greater risk of getting overheated and dehydrated. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during and after outdoor activity.
Use the Right Tools
Safety and accessibility are also dependent on using the right tools. Long-handled tools are easier to use, especially if you have arthritis. Anytime you work in the garden, it’s important to protect your hands as well. Take a look at garden glove reviews to help find the best ones for you. Don’t forget to protect your knees and joints, too! A stool is a good option for any work you have to do kneeling, and a garden cart keeps everything you need nearby.
There’s no mistaking that things change as we age and that includes how we approach gardening and landscaping. The important this is that you adapt along with those inevitable changes, making adjustments as needed. When you do, there’s no reason why you can’t continue enjoying the outdoors and the fruits of your labor.
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