Seniors Enjoy Benefits from Gardening

A garden full of beautiful flowers and/or home-grown vegetables is a gratifying pastime for many seniors. Not only does it offer beauty and wholesome, nutritional food for you and those you share your bounty with, but a healthier lifestyle.

Experts say getting outside to work in the garden is a wonderful way to get exercise and enjoy nature as well as to get a dose of vitamin D. They warn to protect your exposed skin with a sunscreen of 30 SPF or higher, wear light, loose clothing, and sunglasses to protect your eyes. Be sure to take frequent breaks, stay hydrated, and avoid working outside during the heat of the day. Gardening is a great way to reduce anxiety and stress and to forget about your problems, at least for a while. Overall, even a few hours a week doing something as enjoyable as gardening can strengthen muscles, improve mobility and increase flexibility.

Growing tomatoes and lettuce or starting an herb garden is a great place for beginners to start and are appropriate plants for container gardening. For flowers, stick to those that thrive in your particular region. Planning your garden and learning how to maintain it is a big part of the fun. Studies show along with the physical aspect of gardening the critical thinking skills used to plan and maintain the garden may lower your risk for Alzheimer's disease.

Another often overlooked benefit of gardening is the social aspect. While working in your garden may be a solitary activity, gardeners enjoy getting together in the forms of clubs, visiting their local farmers market, nursery trips, or joining a community garden project.

MorningStar of Kirkland offers adults 55+ a lifestyle of comfort, wellbeing and security. Our new community will open in late 2021 with a variety of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans for independent living. Residents will enjoy resort-style amenities and beautiful common areas including an art studio, bistro bar, outdoor dining, swimming pool, sport courts, a Zen Garden and resident garden beds. If you are looking for exceptional senior housing, Kirkland’s new MorningStar community may be for you.

MorningStar of Kirkland offers the very best in independent living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create an atmosphere that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle. Please call for more information about the finest senior housing Kirkland, WA has to offer.

Comments

Balance Problems Are Common in Older Adults

The statistics of older adults taking a fall each year are alarming, and consequences can impact the person’s independence, or in the worst case, be deadly. Experts say as we age, our bodies may start to feel less stable due to things like a loss of muscle mass, lack of flexibility and slower reflexes. Poor balance and dizziness can also be a result of medical problems including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, poor vision, thyroid, nerves, or blood vessels as well as medications. Another culprit interfering with balance is inner ear problems. The labyrinth is a part of the inner ear that controls balance and when it becomes inflamed or infected, it can cause lots of problems including vertigo. The condition called Labyrinthitis generally is a result of other issues such as head injuries, viral or bacterial infections, and circulatory system conditions like strokes or low blood pressure. The National Institute on Aging says families and caregivers should be on the lookout for an older ...

The Role of Sleep in Managing Chronic Pain for Elderly Patients

Sleep plays a critical role in the management of chronic pain, especially among the elderly. At facilities like senior housing Kirkland and senior living Kirkland , understanding and addressing the interplay between sleep and pain is key to improving residents' quality of life. Impact of Sleep on Pain Perception Research shows that poor sleep can increase sensitivity to pain. This is particularly relevant for seniors, as they are more likely to suffer from both sleep disturbances and chronic pain conditions. Good sleep helps to restore the body's natural pain control mechanisms, making it an essential element of pain management strategies. Strategies for Improving Sleep in Elderly Patients To enhance sleep quality and manage pain effectively, several strategies can be implemented. First, establishing a regular sleep schedule helps to regulate the body's internal clock and improve sleep quality. It's also important to create a sleep-conducive environment—quiet, dark, and...

Time Management Tips for a Balanced Life

Time management isn’t just for busy professionals—it’s a skill that can help seniors create a more balanced, fulfilling daily routine. Whether you’re enjoying retirement in senior housing Kirkland or participating in community activities, learning to manage your time effectively allows you to focus on what truly matters. Why Time Management Is Important for Seniors With fewer structured commitments in retirement, time can sometimes feel unorganized or overwhelming. Managing your time well helps you: Feel Accomplished: Checking off tasks gives you a sense of purpose. Prioritize What You Love: Spend more time on activities that bring joy and less on things that drain energy. Reduce Stress: Knowing what’s on your plate helps prevent feeling rushed or forgetful. Tips for Managing Your Time Create a Daily Schedule Writing down your plan for the day helps you stay on track. Include time for meals, activities, and relaxation. Try setting aside specific time blocks for tasks, like morning w...

MorningStar Independent Living Blog

Search This Blog