Gardening Can Be Great Exercise for Older Adults

Gardening is an enjoyable activity that can be hard work, as anyone who has picked up a shovel can verify. People that enjoy the results of a lawn filled with beautiful plants, flowers, shrubs and trees. Landscaping with rocks and lawn ornaments requires lifting and walking. Gardeners know that this is a way to honor their creative side, while making the world a more beautiful place.

In a recent study, researchers found that gardening is an activity that can fulfill the needs of older people for exercise and physical activity.

Physical activity and exercise is important for everybody, particularly as they age. Seniors tend to be at higher risk for chronic diseases and may be more sedentary as they get older. While seniors may not want to take up extreme sports, gardening could give the boon of activity while enjoying a hobby. Gardening is a popular activity for adults, particularly aged 65 and older.

As people age they may not be as confident in their ability in sports and are at a higher risk of a sedentary lifestyle. People who do not exercise may experience a decline of muscular strength, endurance, flexibility, balance and cardiopulmonary health.

For optimum health, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Sports Medicine recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most days of the week. This recommendation to exercise is especially important for older Americans.

A recent study was conducted to find out if gardening could meet the requirements for physical activity for older adults. The study was conducted by Sin-Ae Park, Candice Shoemaker, and Mark Haub of Kansas State University,

A previous study had already concluded that gardening results in improved in mental health and relief of depression. The Kansas State University Researchers were now interested in finding out if gardening can offer subjects the same positive health benefits as regular physical activities, such as swimming and jogging.