Gardening a way to health and happiness at Rowallan House
Nestled in the heart of the countryside, our home away from home offers a tranquil residence for older adults seeking a peaceful and enriching lifestyle where they have the support and care they need to thrive. While our events and activities coordinator organises many fun events to get involved in, in this blog post, we want to shine a light on our beautifully landscaped, accessible garden and the profound impact gardening has on a person’s physical, emotional, cognitive and social wellbeing.
Read on to learn more about residential care in Chadwell Heath, Romford and the power of gardening for wellbeing.
The benefits of gardening
We understand that staying active and engaged is vital to maintaining a high quality of life as we age. Gardening provides the perfect opportunity for residents to do just that while reaping numerous health benefits. In fact, our garden is a living testament to the idea that nature’s embrace can work wonders for the spirit, and it’s a testament to the value we place on the wellbeing of our cherished residents.
Studies have shown that gardening can significantly improve the overall wellbeing of older individuals. Here are some of the benefits of having a green thumb:
- Physical health – Gardening is an excellent way to promote physical activity without putting excessive strain on the body. At Rowallan House, we offer accessible raised garden beds, ensuring that residents can engage in this enjoyable form of exercise while minimising the risk of injury. Digging, planting, weeding and watering are all activities that enhance strength, flexibility and endurance, helping to keep us active and physically fit.
- Emotional wellbeing – The act of gardening has an incredible ability to reduce stress and improve mood. Our garden at Rowallan House is a serene place, providing a sense of peace and tranquillity. The simple act of nurturing plants and watching them bloom and grow can be immensely satisfying, boosting self-esteem and confidence. It’s a source of pride for residents, and that sense of accomplishment greatly contributes to our emotional wellbeing.
- Cognitive benefits – Gardening also stimulates the mind. We are engaged in planning and organising our gardening activities, learning about various plant species, and problem-solving as we care for our plants. These mental exercises help keep our minds sharp and active, which is essential for cognitive health as we age.
- Social Interaction – Our garden is more than just a patch of soil and flowers; it’s a hub for social interactions. We often gather to work together, sharing stories, laughter and advice while we tend to our plants. The sense of community and camaraderie that blossoms in the garden is invaluable. It’s not just the act of gardening itself that brings joy, but the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that comes with it. For example, seeing the vibrant colours of flowers in bloom is incredibly rewarding!
Get in touch
Whether you have a green thumb or have never planted a seed in your life, we invite you to come and experience the incredible benefits of gardening. Please do not hesitate to get in touch or give us a call on either 0800 999 8499 or 0208 597 4175. Our friendly staff would be happy to answer any of your questions or provide more information on life at Rowallan House.