It’s National Gardening Week and there’s no better time to get green fingered and embrace the great outdoors with the arrival of the spring sunshine.
National Gardening Week which runs from April 27th – May 3rd aims to raise awareness of gardening and horticulture, and to encourage more people to take part in the healthy and productive outdoor activity of gardening.
Launched by the Royal Horticultural Society, this year is all about championing the role of plants, due to their positive impact on mental and physical health.
Gardening is a great way to encourage people to go outside and get some fresh air, which has proven wellbeing benefits.
A recent OnePoll Survey commissioned by the RHS showed that 52% of people in Britain have experienced feeling alone but more than half of adults enjoy being surrounded by greenery and a further 53% said it boosts their mood.
In these unsettling and challenging times, it’s more important than ever before to find simple and positive ways to relax and feel happy. The gardens at Crouched Friars have become residents favourite place to relax and unwind.
A garden in full bloom can be pleasing to the eyes and nose. But did you also know that tending to that beautiful garden could have a positive impact on your health?
Helps dementia
It’s very satisfying for seniors with dementia to nurture plants and it’s an activity that people feel naturally connected to. For people with Alzheimer’s who are quite restless or agitated, gardening can bring peace and concentration, while relieving tension, frustration, and aggression.
Improves mental health
Gardening encourages mindfulness because it engages all of the senses — smell, sight, sound, touch, and the special reward at the end: taste. You have to pay attention to the needs of various plants and be keen to special details that will help your garden flourish.
Increases vitamin D
Getting regular time in the sun is important for getting enough vitamin D. Not only is it a good mood regulator, vitamin D aids calcium absorption, bone health, and your immune system.
Exercise and burning calories
As we age, our joints and range of motion become much more limited. We are also a lot less active which eventually leads to loss of muscle strength and flexibility. Gardening is a great way to get regular exercise, lubricate joints, and strengthen mobility in seniors.
In honour of National Gardening Week, we’ve stopped to smell the roses and have planted a few plants of your own. Our residents have also enjoyed spending time outdoors, gardening, sitting in the sunshine and playing outdoor games.
National Gardening Week is a great reason to spend some time outside in the sunshine; why not look at the official website for inspiration?
For more information on Crouched friars, please call 01206 572647 or visit our contact page.
In the meantime, if you or a loved one would like to find out more about the care on offer at Crouched Friars, visit our page here.