Gardening has long been recognized as a therapeutic and beneficial activity for people whatever their age and state of physical health. But there are particular benefits to gardening for people living with dementia.
There are the obvious physical benefits from activities such as digging, planting, weeding and watering. These activities are low-impact exercises, enhancing physical health and mobility. Combining this physical activity with exposure to natural light can also help regulate circadian rhythms, potentially improving sleep patterns. A well-maintained garden also provides a calming environment conducive to a good night’s rest. If you grow and harvest food in the garden, this encourages a greater connection with food which can increase the appetite resulting in better general nutrition.
These are things that benefit every keen gardener but let’s look at some of the benefits specifically for people with dementia.
Specific Benefits For People With Dementia
Cognitive Stimulation
Gardening provides cognitive stimulation through tasks that require planning, organization and problem-solving. It helps maintain and improve cognitive functions, slowing down the progression of dementia in some cases.
Sensory Stimulation
Multiple senses are engaged when people are involved with gardening. The touch of soil on the hands, the smell of flowers, the sound of birds and insects, the sight of vibrant colors. These all stimulate the sensory experiences of people with dementia, which can evoke memories of happy times and create a positive emotional connection with the people around them. If loved ones are fortunate to still be living at home cared for by family this emotional connection is valuable not just for the person with dementia but also their family members who will recall past times with the shared activity of gardening.
Reduction of Agitation and Anxiety
Spending time in a garden can have a calming effect, reducing the agitation and anxiety common in people with dementia. Professional carers who provide live-in care for people with dementia will, whenever possible, use nature’s tranquillity and the rhythmic nature of gardening activities to create a peaceful and therapeutic environment. Whether gardening was a favorite past-time before a diagnosis of dementia or whether it’s a newly discovered activity, there is no doubting nature’s calming influence. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, the therapeutic benefits of gardening and being outdoors is unrivaled.
Sense of Purpose and Achievement
Gardening tasks provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment making the day seem worthwhile. Completing small gardening tasks, like planting a seed or watering plants, can boost self-esteem and confidence in people with dementia. Seeing seeds and plants grow and thrive continuously maintains that higher level of self-esteem. Of course, the weather has to be dry but there are always tasks to be done in a garden almost all year round.
Stress Reduction and Improved Mood
Spending time in a garden has also been linked to stress reduction. The calming effects of nature, combined with physical tasks, can help alleviate stress, improve the mood and promote a sense of emotional well-being. The combination of physical activity, exposure to nature and a sense of accomplishment contributes to a more positive emotional state.
Therapeutic Reminiscence
Gardening often triggers memories and associations from the past, especially if it is the same garden that has been tended and nurtured for many years. The well-known benefits for a person with dementia of remaining in the familiar surroundings of their own home equally applies to the garden and outside spaces. Working in, or even just sitting in a garden surrounded by flowers and plants, may prompt reminiscence, encouraging people to share stories and experiences from their earlier years.
A Holistic Approach To Improving Well-Being
Gardening offers a holistic approach to improving the overall well-being of people with dementia by addressing physical, cognitive and emotional aspects of their health. It provides a therapeutic and enjoyable activity that can enhance their quality of life. There are also community gardens where gardening activities can be done in groups, fostering social interaction, reducing feelings of isolation and promoting a sense of community.