Many Senior Citizens enjoy gardening as a hobby, but not the bending and squatting that comes with it. Getting older doesn’t mean you can’t have a garden. Stand Up Gardens are an adaptive way for older adults to stay independent and continue an activity they enjoy.
What are Stand Up Gardens?
Stand Up Gardens are elevated beds you can work on while standing. They eliminate the need for bending and squatting. The garden bed is a square or rectangular planter box that is usually around 3 to 4 feet high.
Stand Up Gardens come in a variety of designs. They can be wood or metal. Many Stand Up Gardens are raised on four legs. Some styles have castors on each leg so the bed can be rolled indoors during frost warnings.
Benefits for Senior Citizens
The main advantage of Stand Up Gardens is they allow for independence by proving an adaptive way to grow plants. Gardening gives people a sense of purpose. Growing vegetables boosts self-sufficiency, increases healthy eating habits, and saves money. Having elevated garden beds in the backyard provides opportunities for Senior Citizens to engage in outdoor activities. They add natural elegance and beauty to the yard.
Starting Stand Up Gardens
Large garden supply stores may sell pre-fabricated Stand Up Gardens. You can also build your own at home with the right tools and lumber. Once you have the garden box, place it in a sunny spot and fill it with soil. For elevated beds, use potting soil rather than garden fill for better drainage. Plant the vegetables that thrive in compact spaces such as tomatoes, lettuce, chard, and peppers. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.
Elevated planter boxes can help Senior Citizens enjoy their outdoor hobby for years to come.
Like adaptive gardening, in-home healthcare can help Senior Citizens stay independent longer in their own familiar surroundings. We make a difference in the lives of our elderly clients. We are “Families Helping Families” at Anita’s Angels Inc. Please call our friendly office staff at 908-788-9390 to learn more about the services we provide.
