If you’ve been out there toiling the soil, planting seeds, and watering your flower beds, you know how much work is involved- and how satisfying that can be. And you probably know you’re in good company. According to recent research, 55% of American households actively garden, which is the equivalent of over 185 million people. And while that’s a significant boost to local economies, the average gardener apparently spends a modest $70/year on this passion, once the garden is up and running. The question becomes, how do you get your garden up and running and how do you maintain it, especially if your knees hurt, your hands aren’t as strong as they used to be, and your back aches if you spend much time bending? 

If you’re a novice just starting to think about how to garden, you may want to take a look here. But if you’re a long-time gardener, the question then becomes what compromises or changes do you need to make in order to enjoy the activity while accommodating your aging body? As 70-year-old gardening expert Chris Ferrero makes clear, “As you age, you have to adjust your gardening attitude. Let go of perfection. Make a messy garden look good…and make a garden that can be enjoyed inside.” In other words, learn to work smarter, not harder, as an older gardener. Some suggestions for being kind to yourself as you, and your garden, age together? Ferrero recommends you purchase some ergonomic and age-friendly tools (AARP has some good suggestions here), always kneel on only one knee, never two, and stand up and stretch every 15 minutes.

There’s also no doubt that gardening can be a boost for your physical and emotional health, even if it’s a challenge for your aging body. It provides an opportunity for real and active physical movement, an opportunity for strength building (especially for your all-important hands and grip), and even an opportunity for social engagement if you take up residence at a community garden, for example. And AARP recently posted on other options for making your gardening adventure healthier, with advice ranging from careful lifting to letting your legs do the work (and providing a garden stool for resting those legs) along with such practical advice as wearing gloves, being savvy about your sun exposure, and unplugging yourself so you can enjoy your moment in nature. 

Recently a study from the University of Colorado reported on additional reasons to get out there and garden. According to the research, published in Lancet Planetary Health, in a randomized controlled trial of community gardening, “Those who started gardening ate more fiber and got more physical activity—two known ways to reduce risk of cancer and chronic diseases. They also saw their levels of stress and anxiety significantly decrease.” So not only could gardening be a source of pleasure along with physical activity (and potentially a source of healthy food) but it may also help you reduce your risk for certain types of cancer. To find out more, grab a trowel and click here.