Senior Care in Pittsburgh PA
You may have seen little gardens popping up around your neighborhood or in your local parks that are labeled, simply “Community Garden.” A community garden is a garden that is planted on a public or unused area of land that anyone in the community can tend and harvest. Seniors who have an interest in gardening but who don’t have the space in their own home for a garden may enjoy participating in a community garden project. In addition to being a great opportunity to plant and care for plants of all kinds, community gardening can be a social activity and a great way to get out of the house doing the spring and summer months. For seniors and caregivers who are considering getting involved in a local community garden, here are just a few of this activity’s many benefits.
It Boosts Self-Esteem and Promotes a Happy Mood
For seniors struggling with low-self esteem, depression, anxiety, etc., may benefit from participating in a community project like a community garden. Their involvement can help boost their self-esteem and self-worth and give them a chance to interact socially with other members of the community. Working on a community garden is rewarding in that it helps everyone in the community, making it a wonderful activity for seniors who struggle with adjusting to retirement, boredom, and/or isolation.
It Promotes Healthy Eating
In the United States, it is often hard to have great eating habits. Every day we are bombarded with advertisements for unhealthy food and grocery stores make unhealthy foods very accessible. In a community garden, seniors can plant fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Since they are free for all members of the community to enjoy, eating a healthy fresh fruit or vegetable has never been easier!
It Makes the Community Beautiful
Community gardens are often planted on spaces that were previously unused or not cared for. The community garden can transform these spaces into beautiful areas of land that are lush and filled with beautiful plants. Seniors who participate in planting a community garden can feel good that their efforts have succeeded in making the community more beautiful, green, and clean.
It is a Social Activity
Nothing brings people together better than working for a common cause. By participating in a community garden seniors are likely to meet others with common interests and may even foster friendships.
Source: http://www.grow-ni.org/get-involved/
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring in-home senior care in Pittsburgh, PA, please call the caring staff at Home Helpers. Call today
