A Golden Time To Enjoy Your Garden
Wednesday, December 12, 2018 - 15:20
Expert tips from Betterlife to keep you gardening gracefully, no matter what age!
“Us Brits love our gardens, and never more so than after retirement, with a whopping 70% of 64 - 74-year olds regularly enjoying gardening.[1]However, after our 75th birthday, many of us have to reduce the time we spend on our passion as it becomes more challenging and our bodies become less mobile.1”, says Sam, Independent Living Expert at Betterlife.
Gardening has some of the greatest physical and mental health benefits, Sam continued: “Green spaces are reported to help reduce the risk of developing certain health conditions, and gardening is linked to reduced obesity.1 No wonder, when a few hours of weeding can burn more than 600 calories![2] It also helps reduce falls by improving gait and balance, and evidence shows that it can improve recovery from illness.1
And, it’s not just physical benefits. Gardening is shown to reduce depression and anxiety, reduce loneliness and even reduce symptoms of dementia such as agitation and aggression.1 A study in the Netherlands shows that every 10 percent increase in exposure to green spaces, equated to being five years younger!”1
Sam shares his 3 top tips for getting more benefit and less burden from our nation’s beloved hobby:
Knees: 
“Repetitive bending down and squatting can be hard on the body, especially the knees and thighs. Reduce this strain by raising your garden beds or opting for vertical planters and large pots. Hanging baskets are even better, as you can stand up straight as you tend to them. If this isn’t possible, ensure you wear a stabilising knee support to assist movement when kneeling down, and it’s a good idea to wear a personal alarm as the garden landscape can be uneven and a trip hazard. Also, consider easy grip tools and how you store them. A well-organised shed and smart storage at eye level can make all the difference.”
The Avivo Neoprene Knee Stabiliser (£11.50*) has been designed to provide effective support for damaged muscles and ligaments as well as for weak and unstable joints. It has been manufactured using the optimum thickness of neoprene rubber and nylon laminate in order to maximize comfort and therapeutic effects, offering the support you need when bending and tending to flower beds or plant pots.
Back:
“For most of us, gardening will eventually involve getting down to the ground, spending significant periods of time hunched over weeding and planting. This may cause pain in the neck and back, and mobility and joint flexibility decreases over time. Invest in a stool to provide a step between low-level gardening and raised beds. A roller stool, such as those from mobility specialist Betterlife, means you can sit, roll and swivel your way around the garden easily. Take plenty of breaks, and try some gentle back, neck and chest stretches, such as chin tucks, to counteract any prolonged bending down. Heat pads fit snugly to the body and can also provide gentle pain relief for the back and neck once you have finished your gardening.”
The Garden Roller Stool (£34.99*) combines a tool box and convenient seat, allowing the user to sit comfortably when tending to lower ground or flower beds. Four durable plastic wheels enable the Garden Roller Stool to roll smoothly and it features a lockable storage compartment with a removable tray for seeds and smaller gardening supplies.Joints:
“Like all passions, it’s easy to get swept up and before you know it, hours have passed by. It’s really important to take regular breaks, giving the body, joints and mind a much-needed rest. Applying topical cooling gels can temporarily help with joint pain but it’s important to be honest with yourself about what you can achieve and consider cutting back or focusing on your favourite type of gardening. Keep a log about what activities you enjoy the most and what isn’t going so well. Gentle yoga stretches, or ten-minute mindfulness or meditation breaks can complement gardening greatly!
Paingone® Freeze Cooling gel (£7.95) offers instant relief for sore and aching muscles and joints with its cooling menthol ingredient which helps to override pain signals to the brain. Suitable for use up to 4 times a day.
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