Life after retirement can be relaxing and fulfilling. But, it can also become monotonous if you don’t have any hobbies to work on.
Gardening is a hobby that spans generations, and comes with an array of benefits. With a little bit of study and preparation, you’ll be able to raise the plants you desire and beautify your surroundings; all while filling your free time with beneficial activity. Of course, you’ll need to stock up on the essentials, from basic tools and equipment, to various plants, mulch, and, of course, soil from your local Salt Lake City garden center.
Indeed, it’s never too late to start cultivating your green thumb! Here are some reasons you may want to consider taking on gardening as a post-retirement hobby:
Maintains Physical Fitness
While you will be spending some time crouching or sitting to work on your plants, gardening is actually a good form of exercise, comparable to more seemingly strenuous activities like cycling and jogging, even. Everyone should regularly do light exercise to maintain their physical fitness, and it’s especially important as you get older to keep your muscles in shape.
Gardening outdoors, during the day, also provides you with a good dose of Vitamin D. As much as possible, you should work in the morning, before 10 am, to avoid the harsh sunlight and harmful UV rays past that time.
Make sure you don’t overexert yourself, in the beginning. Focus, instead, on establishing a routine and getting stronger, until you can gradually handle more tasks. Eventually, you’ll be able to do more towards growing and maintaining your garden.
Improves Mental Health
Retirement can be a lonely time for some older adults, especially once your children have moved out and have families of their own. This isolation can cause anxiety and depression, as well as puts you at risk of developing cognitive illnesses. Fortunately, growing your own garden has benefits for your mental health.
It gives you something to focus on; nurturing plants takes work! Gardening will reduce your stress levels and make you happier. Watching your plants thrive and grow due to your efforts is one of the most fulfilling feelings in the world.
Studies have shown that a physical activity like gardening may reduce the risk of developing dementia. Some assisted living centers have even started to grow “dementia gardens” for the elderly who are afflicted with Alzheimer’s and other cognitive issues.
Better Quality of Life
Gardening is a hobby that prolongs your life by improving your holistic health. Working on your garden not only enables you to exercise regularly, but also reduces your stress levels. These factors contribute to more peaceful nights of sleep.
If you plant some fruits and vegetables, you’ll also be able to enjoy healthier meals. There’s nothing like preparing a meal with the literal fruits of your labor. Healthy meals reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, which are usually associated with poor diets.
Start your garden as soon as you have the means to do so. It can seem frustrating if your plants don’t grow as well as you want them to, initially, but don’t get discouraged. Be patient and steadily work on improving your skills. A day will come when your efforts will be rewarded, in more ways than one.
