What are suitable gardening gifts for elderly? Do the gardening tools we give as gifts have to be very expensive? Usually, elderly people are very interested in gardening. According to the researchers, more than 80% of the elderly are inactive and active activities have no place in their daily schedule. Buying good and appropriate gardening tools can motivate and increase their mental and physical health. Gardening is one of the most dynamic activities. Undoubtedly, buying gardening tools for the elderly as a gift is a practical and very attractive idea. By doing this, you can create the necessary motivation for them to work.
Gardening is an ongoing activity, and just like crafts for older adults with dementia, it is very beneficial for Alzheimer’s patients. Your loved ones may plant a small seed, but encourage them that they can have a big garden. On days off, take them to the big gardens to help with watering and picking. In this article from humanhealthmag, we will mention some examples of gifts that you can prepare for flower and plant lovers.
Health Benefits of Gardening for Seniors
Before choosing gardening gifts for elderly, isn’t it better to learn about the benefits of gardening for the elderly? Why gardening is good for seniors wellbeing? Regardless of our age, gardening is one of the best outdoor activities we can do. Because it stimulates our five senses and makes our connection with nature stronger. Also, beautiful flowers, fresh fruits and vegetables are a reward for the time we have spent on them. Indeed, what are the benefits of being in a garden for the elderly?
- Reduce stress
Research has shown that gardening has a significant role in reducing the level of cortisol (stress hormone) and can reduce stress and even lower blood pressure. In a research project, a group of people were asked to complete a stressful task and then study or garden for 30 minutes. The researchers saw a reduction in stress in both groups. But it is interesting that cortisol and stress levels decreased more in the gardening group than in study group. Also, gardening created a positive mood in the participants, while in the other group, people experienced a drop in mood after the study. In addition, being outdoors, under the sun and building a beautiful and heartwarming garden gives our hero an opportunity to rest, relax and enjoy his/her life.
- Increased serotonin
Serotonin is a chemical substance in the brain that affects our mood and makes us feel calm and happy. Gardening is an activity that can reduce the symptoms of depression in the elderly by producing serotonin. Some researchers believe that contact with certain bacteria in the soil causes the release of serotonin in the brain and acts as a natural antidepressant. It is interesting to know that “gardening therapy” is a growing treatment method that has shown positive results in people suffering from depression and other mental illnesses.
- Strengthen heart health and reduce the risk of stroke
Gardening is considered a relatively intense exercise and can work for seniors like 30 minutes of morning exercises for seniors (recommended by experts). Regular gardening can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in seniors over 60 by 30%. Also, exposure to sunlight increases the amount of vitamin D in the body. This vitamin reduces the risk of heart diseases.
- Increased mobility
As mentioned, gardening is considered as a sport for the elderly and can increase their mobility and physical strength. Studies have shown that gardening is a useful way to rehabilitate and increase mobility in people who have suffered a stroke.
- Strengthen brain health
The medical community does not know exactly what causes Alzheimer’s disease and how to prevent it. However, research has shown that a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. By engaging our seniors in important functions such as problem solving, coping with hardships, and sensory awareness, gardening reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.
Best Gardening Gifts for Elderly
In the following, we mention 15 ideas as gardening gifts for elderly.
- Pot for planting flowers and plants
The first option of the best gardening gifts for elderly is a beautiful pot for planting flowers and plants in it. You can make a collection of beautiful vases in different sizes and colors and give it to your favorite elderly person as a gift. You can even get simple vases and decorate them with your creativity to make them happier.
- Gardening gloves
Gardening gloves are one of the necessary tools for gardening and growing flowers and plants. This option is also a very practical option as a gift for flower and plant lovers. Buy a beautiful and durable glove and give it to your nature lover so that he/she remembers you when he/she is busy gardening and enjoys the gift you bought for him/her.
- Gardening Toolbox
This option is one of the best options as a gift for nature lovers. In this tool box, there are very exciting and necessary tools for people who are interested in gardening. So, if you want to pay more for your friend, don’t hesitate and definitely buy a gardening tool box. Of course, you can collect gardening tools yourself and put it in a beautiful box and surprise your friend with it. The tools that you can put in this toolbox include: shovel, Rake, Trowel, Bypass pruners, Gloves, Hose, Shovel, Kneeler, and etc.
- Terrarium
Terrariums are one of the options that have become very popular recently. Terrarium means glass garden. Terrariums are used in small and large sizes and for various spaces such as bedrooms, reception rooms, offices, and environments such as lobbies of apartments, hotels, office centers, and industries, and can create beautiful and miniature gardens. Usually, plants that cannot grow in normal environments due to humidity conditions will grow well in a terrarium.
You can get these terrariums ready-made or you can get terrarium-making tools separately and create an attractive terrarium with your own creativity and give it as a gardening gifts to your elderly friend so that he/she can enjoy seeing it. In addition to terrarium plants, you need items such as gravel, activated charcoal, sphagnum moss, potting soil, and decorative items.
- plant seed
One of the very exciting options for both nature lovers and ordinary people is the seeds of different plants. You can make a collection of them and put them in a beautiful package and give it as a gift to your friend so that she/he will be extremely happy. Be creative in packaging these seeds and turn them into special gardening gifts for elderly. There are also new products such as plantable seed bombs and paper plants available in the market, which are a good choice as gifts.
- Storage box for seed bags
The seed storage box is a perfect gift for the gardener because in addition to protecting the seeds, it gives them a special order. In these boxes, the seeds can be classified according to the month of cultivation. Some of these boxes can also be made without a compartment, which are mostly decorative.
- Sprinkler
Irrigation plays an important role in protecting and maintaining plants, so choosing a suitable sprinkler that matches the color and design of the recipient’s greenhouse or garden shelves will be an attractive and exciting option.
- Gardening apron
One of the accessories in gardening is an apron that protects the gardener from stains and is very practical. If this gift is chosen correctly, it can be a very attractive option for gardening. Therefore, when buying an apron, choose a model with pockets and rings, so that the gardener can put seeds or accessories in the pockets of this apron.
- Creative gardening chair
Giving a chair with a toolbox as gardening gifts for elderly may seem unusual, but it’s smart, convenient, and practical at the same time. Such chairs have storage pockets around them that allow the gardener to put his things in these pockets. Another advantage of this chair is that it can be folded. These chairs are also a good option for fishermen.
- Water Bank
Water Bank is a creative gift for people who cannot dedicate their time to watering or people who are constantly traveling and do not have enough time to take care of plants. In addition to saving plants from drying out, this gift can be a decorative tool for the gardener.
- Gardening basket
Gardening basket is a beautiful creative advertising gift and of course necessary for every gardener to maintain and store the necessary tools. It can also be used to harvest vegetables and fruits.
- Microgreen kit
Cultivating and maintaining small vegetables makes a person grow them because by growing them, you always have a salad full of fresh vegetables at your disposal, which guarantees your health. Also, micro-vegetables are rich in vitamins, nutrients and rare elements, which can be cultivated by a gardener or a homemaker with minimal cost and time.
- Seed-Bearing Lollipops
People who care a lot about the environment and have a gentle spirit, organic herbal lollipops are the perfect gift for them. Because in addition to its beauty and edible aspect, its wood can be planted in the garden. For example, marigold and peach candies, if you plant its wood, you will see the growth of marigolds.
Concluding Remarks
Gardening is one of the activities that, while being simple, can have many benefits for our elderly. Some of these benefits include increasing mobility, reducing stress and increasing the absorption of vitamin D. Also, gardening leads to the mental health of the elderly and reduces the risk of diseases related to dementia and Alzheimer’s in them.
By buying gardening gifts for the elderly, we can encourage them to do gardening and have a strong role in preventing Alzheimer’s disease in them. Let’s remember to prevent the elderly from gardening during the hottest hours of the day and remind them to use sunscreen and drink enough water on hot and sunny days when they are outdoors so that their bodies don’t get dehydrated.
Having a place to rest while gardening is very important. By placing a chair in the garden or near the garden, we can create a space for the elderly to rest, so that if they are dizzy and dehydrated, they can use it to sit and recover their lost strength. Finally, let’s try to be with them as much as possible while doing this activity, so that we can provide them with a good time while taking care of them.
Gardening Gifts for Elderly FAQs
What Plants Are Suitable for the Elderly?
Plants such as wheat leaf, aloe vera, and African violet are suitable plants for the elderly due to the need for limited care.
What Are Some Gardening Gifts That Are Easy for the Elderly to Use?
For elderly gardeners, consider gifts that require minimal bending or heavy lifting. Raised garden beds, gardening tools with ergonomic handles, and self-watering planters are excellent choices.
What Are Some Gardening Tools that Can Help Elderly People Garden for Longer?
Tools with long handles or those that can be adjusted to different heights can help reduce strain on the back and joints. A garden seat or stool can provide a comfortable place to rest while gardening. Additionally, a kneeling pad can make it easier to work on the ground.