Gardening: the benefits, and getting help when you need it

Gardening is one of the most rewarding ways to stay active as you get older. For many people it doesn't feel like exercise at all, but it does a lot of good for both body and mind.

Gardening can:

• be an enjoyable way to exercise, rather than a chore
• increase your level of physical activity and help keep you mobile and flexible
• keep your hands, fingers, and coordination in regular use
• build endurance and strength
• help keep your bones strong, which reduces the risk of osteoporosis
• reduce stress and help you relax
• give you a sense of purpose, achievement, and something to look forward to
• offer a chance to connect with neighbours, family, and other gardeners
• increase your exposure to vitamin D, which your body makes from sunlight.

When the garden starts to feel like a burden

Many older people say the worry of keeping up with lawns and gardens is a major reason they think about moving house. This is often an issue of priorities. Your priorities help you work out what adds to your wellbeing and what matters less, so it's worth taking the time to think them through. If your garden gives you joy, then make sure others understand this.

If your garden is not especially important to you, moving to a home with a smaller garden, or none at all, may be the right choice. If, however, you want to stay where you are, options include:

• getting help
• perhaps changing your expectations - deciding what things about your 'less than perfect' garden you can live with, and what you can't
• changing your garden to make it easier to manage
• perhaps offering part of your garden to a local community garden project, or to someone who would like space to grow their own vegetables in return for helping with upkeep.

Getting help 

Getting help doesn't mean you have to stop gardening. You can hand over the heavy jobs, such as mowing lawns or trimming trees and hedges, and keep doing the parts you enjoy. You can use a gardener for as much or as little as suits you.

There are a few ways to arrange help:

• Disability Allowance. If you receive, or are eligible for a Disability Allowance, you may be able to use some of that funding to hire a gardener. The allowance covers ongoing costs you have because of a health condition or disability, so gardening help needs to be linked to that. Your doctor will need to confirm your needs. 
• Paying privately. You can make your own arrangements to pay for help with the garden and lawns.
• Family and friends. A family member, friend, or neighbour may be happy to help.
• Community organisations. Some local groups, volunteer organisations and community services offer garden help for older people, sometimes at a low cost. Your local Age Concern is a good place to start asking.

Keep in mind that gardeners can be costly. Gardening also depends on the weather, and a gardener may not always be available when you need them and the conditions are right.

When choosing someone to help, get more than one quote, ask for the price in writing, and ask for references or check reviews. Be cautious of people who knock on your door offering to do garden or tree work on the spot, especially if they ask for payment upfront.

Making your garden easier to manage

Small changes can make a big difference:

• raised beds or containers mean less bending and kneeling
• replacing lawn areas with paving, bark, or low-maintenance ground cover reduces mowing
• choosing hardy, low-maintenance plants and shrubs can cut down on pruning and watering
• lightweight tools with long or padded handles are easier on your back, hands, and joints
• a kneeling pad or gardening stool makes ground-level work more comfortable
• keeping paths clear and even reduces the risk of trips and falls