How Caring for Plants Benefits Seniors Aging in Place
Houseplants can have a significant positive impact on one’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being, particularly for seniors aging in place. Caring for houseplants is a fulfilling way to bring nature inside, develop a sense of purpose, and make their home feel cozier and more peaceful. Plus, with the help of elder care, they can research the best ways to care for certain plants, learn where to place them throughout the house and get reminders when it comes to watering and fertilizing.
Some common benefits that caring for houseplants can bring with the help of elder care providers are explored further below.
Improved Mental Health and Stress Reduction
Taking good care of indoor plants can have a relaxing impact, lowering tension and anxiety while encouraging a sense of calm. Seniors may benefit from practicing mindfulness by watering, pruning, or just watching plants grow.
Plus, according to studies, spending time with plants can elevate mood and reduce cortisol levels, which are a sign of stress.
Increased Companionship
Houseplants can also offer a sense of camaraderie and a positive focus for seniors who might feel alone or isolated. Taking care of a living thing establishes a schedule and a purpose, which helps prevent sadness and anxiety by bringing happiness into their daily lives.
Improved Health and Air Quality
Houseplants are natural air purifiers. For instance, peace lilies, snake plants, and spider plants can filter airborne pollutants, including ammonia, benzene, and formaldehyde, making the home healthier. Seniors with compromised immune systems or respiratory problems may benefit most from cleaner air since their symptoms of allergies, asthma, and other respiratory disorders will decrease.
Increased Humidity
Through a process known as transpiration, plants release moisture into the air, raising the humidity level indoors. Increased humidity, particularly in the dry or winter months, can help reduce respiratory discomfort, dry skin, and throat irritation.
Increased Hand Dexterity
Taking care of indoor plants is a low-impact way for seniors to be physically active and preserve their strength, flexibility, and coordination. Seniors with arthritis or other mobility-impairing problems may greatly benefit from activities that enhance hand-eye coordination and dexterity, such as watering, repotting, trimming, and moving plants around the house.
Improved Memory and Cognitive Function
For seniors who are suffering from mild cognitive decline, keeping track of watering, fertilizing, and other plant care responsibilities increases cognitive functioning and sensory awareness. Not only that, but research indicates that the presence of plants can improve focus, creativity, and productivity.
Improved Health and Well-Being
Horticultural therapy, which involves caring for plants as a therapeutic hobby, can help lower blood pressure, enhance motor skills, reduce pain and discomfort, and support the healing process following surgery or sickness.
It is considered a helpful therapy for seniors with dementia, mental health issues, or chronic pain.
Improved Sense of Pride
Seniors will also feel a sense of pride as their plants grow, sharing pictures on social media or talking with their friends and family about their plants when they visit.
Elder care providers can help seniors create a calming, healing atmosphere that enhances their health and well-being by providing support, resources, and assistance when it comes to caring for indoor plants. Plus, with all the benefits of indoor plants, seniors can start each day on the right foot, knowing they’re contributing to their overall well-being.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Elder Care in Colts Neck, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Lares Home Care (732) 334-3323.
Sources:
- https://allseniorscare.com/blog/houseplants-surprising-benefits-for-seniors/
- https://www.salemnews.net/opinion/local-columns/2024/04/benefits-of-raising-house-plants/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10240129/
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