We all know that leading an active lifestyle can improve the quality of your life significantly but did you know you can get the same benefits in your own backyard?  A recent study by Texas A&M looked at the benefits of gardening on the health and wellness of Seniors.  Researchers observed and interviewed 298 seniors and discovered the participants who kept a garden were more likely to have a more optimistic outlook on life, a more positive self-image, and (not surprisingly) a diet comprised of more healthy fresh foods.

If you are reading and thinking of starting your own garden I have a few tips that can help make all the difference for the senior gardener:

• Purchase seed and seed tape for easier handling and planting.
• Use a vertical garden or trellis. This allows you to plant and weed without stooping or bending.
• Build and design raised beds that provide a place to sit and garden.
• Try using a stool, chair, or bench to avoid constant stooping or squatting.
• For safety sake, garden early in the morning or late in the day. Avoid being out between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Drink plenty of decaffeinated fluids to prevent dehydration. Also, allow time for breaks in the shade.
• Wear lightweight clothing, long sleeved shirt, eye protection, sunscreen, a big hat to shade face, and gardening gloves.

On behalf of People TrueCare, we hope you have a bountiful season of healthy and colorful outcomes of your gardening talents!