Playing In The Dirt Isn’t Just For Kids

Seniors around the country are adding gardening to their list of daily activities thanks to the stress relief and health benefits it provides. And for Ashley Park residents in West Ashley, reaping the rewards of gardening is that much easier thanks to it’s parent company Holiday Retirement’s efforts to offer gardening opportunities at its senior communities.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seniors who participate in 2.5 hours a week of moderate-intensity activities, such as gardening, can reduce their risk for a number of health issues, including obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Gardening can also help with stress relief, improve depression symptoms, and reduce social isolation.
“Our residents’ health is of utmost importance, which is why we are dedicated to helping seniors get moving,” said Jamison Gosselin, vice president of marketing, communications, and resident enrichment at Holiday Retirement. “As the weather turns warmer, gardening provides an easy, accessible way for seniors of all skill levels to enjoy a rewarding, relaxing physical activity.”
As seniors increasingly downsize and move to senior living communities, they can adjust their gardening styles to reap the benefits in a smaller environment.
Residents at Ashley Park have embraced container gardening and now anxiously await tomatoes, radishes, bell peppers, squash, onions, and various herbs. Residents use the fruits (and vegetables) of their labor during the Adventure Travel Program, where the senior living community makes tasty meals from different regions around the world.
If you or a loved one are interested in learning more about gardening and seniors, visit holidaytouch.com/senior-gardening-tips.