At Senior Star, we understand the joy, purpose, and connection that gardening brings to our residents and families. Whether it’s tending to a vibrant flower bed, harvesting fresh herbs for a chef-prepared meal, or simply soaking in the beauty of nature, gardening offers a powerful boost to overall well-being. That’s why we incorporate gardening into our communities through Memory Gardens for residents with dementia, raised garden beds, and Gardening Clubs for independent and assisted living residents.
The benefits of gardening extend far beyond beautiful landscapes, it’s an activity that nourishes the mind, body, and spirit. Let’s dig into why gardening is one of the best ways to cultivate wellness at Senior Star!
The Science Behind Gardening & Well-Being
Gardening is more than just a hobby; research shows it has a tremendous impact on physical, mental, and emotional health. Studies have found that therapeutic gardening can improve cognitive function, reduce stress, and enhance overall mood, particularly for seniors living with dementia.
Some of the key health benefits include:
✔ Boosted Physical Health – Gardening provides moderate-intensity exercise, which can lower the risk of stroke and heart disease.
✔ Cognitive & Emotional Benefits – Gardening has been linked to improved memory and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.
✔ Social Connection – Gardening clubs create meaningful opportunities for engagement, helping seniors foster friendships and a sense of purpose.
✔ Fresh, Healthy Food – Growing vegetables and herbs encourages healthier eating habits among older adults.
A Growing Passion at Senior Star
At Senior Star, gardening isn’t just a pastime, it’s a community-driven experience. Many of our residents take part in Gardening Clubs, where they plant, nurture, and harvest vegetables and herbs that are incorporated into our chef-prepared meals. For those living with dementia, our Memory Gardens offer a serene and therapeutic space to engage with nature in a safe and meaningful way.
Here’s what some of our residents have to say:
“I am still able to walk freely & bend over so I can help carry supplies to the gardening stations. I just love everything about being outdoors and helping with the garden provides me with a great sense of accomplishment.” Maureen F.
“I helped out with watering the boxes last summer. I enjoy the importance of helping with it and knowing that I played a part in keeping the vegetables alive.” Vic Amos-IL Resident
“We are surrounded by such beautiful gardens everywhere here. It definitely can fill any of my free time by tending to them and I love to do it.” –Joyce J.
“Gardening is such a restful, peaceful thing to do. I like growing all natural, healthy things to use in my cooking. My dad started gardening when I was young and we had ‘victory gardens’ every year since the 1940’s. I have always had a garden and happy I can keep the tradition here.” – Maureen M.
“I love planting flowers right outside my window. Digging in the dirt feels good and seeing the seeds grow into beautiful plants, I just enjoy it! Gardening is good for the Soul, that’s for sure!” – Irene G.
Get Your Hands Dirty & Your Heart Full!
At Senior Star, we’re all about growing joy, connection, and a sense of purpose. Whether it’s planting flowers, harvesting herbs, or simply soaking up the sunshine, gardening is just one of the many ways we cultivate wellness.
Ready to dig in? Reach out today to learn more about our vibrant gardening programs and wellness initiatives!