Senior adults residing at The Hearth at Drexel, a Memory Care and Assisted Living Community in Bala Cynwyd, PA, benefit from six domains of life enrichment.

Within the six domains of enrichment, gardening encompasses cognitive stimulation creating interactive activities and sensory programming. Residents reap many physical, social and cognitive benefits from participating in the gardening activities.

At The Hearth at Drexel, in specialized Memory Care called “Inspiring Today”, residents participate in planting vegetables and herbs in a raised garden bed outside that allows everyone the opportunity to participate in creating a meaningful event. Residents who reside in Assisted Living typically utilize pots and baskets on the household patios, for individual and group gardening.

Jessica Buck, Director of Community Life at The Hearth explains,

The Farm to Table Concept

“Starting in late May and early June, we plant zucchini, tomatoes, cucumbers and herbs. It is exciting for residents to watch the gardens bloom and grow, and for them to be able to have cut flowers in their dining areas that they have grown on their patios, as well as fresh vegetables (for our activities and salads), in a “farm to table” approach, that will be used in our cooking demonstrations led by Michele Harris, CTRS.

Gardening Affords Enjoyment of Nature, Socialization and Gentle Exercise

Jessica elaborates, “Many of our residents have pursued gardening as a hobby throughout their lives, and they are very knowledgeable and have green thumbs. Gardening also affords the residents an opportunity to socialize while they pursue a fun activity together. Making connections with others, experiencing a sense of joy in nature contributes to their positive frame of mind, and in some cases even lowers blood pressure.”

Beyond Enjoyment: Gardening Promotes Wellbeing

There is abundant research that suggests gardening yields numerous physical benefits, even without intense or rigorous movements. Slight bending, digging in the dirt with a trowel, reaching or lifting small plants, herbs or flowers all contribute to seniors moving in ways they might not otherwise if they stayed indoors.

The gentle form of exercise that gardening affords Hearth residents provides an excellent workout for muscles, joints, and bones, developing strength and flexibility as well as it helps with weight management and cardiovascular health.

Research Shows Numerous Physical and Cognitive Benefits to Gardening

Jessica adds, “Being outside, breathing fresh air, putting their hands in the dirt exposes them to essential vitamins and nutrients from the sun and soil. Some say gardening makes them happy and boosts mood and energy. It stimulates fond memories for some people and sharpens mental focus for others.

Researchers around the globe find that microbes within the soil are actually good for people to absorb through the skin by gardening.

Soil Bacteria Work in Similar Way to Antidepressants

Research has identified serotonin and dopamine as two important chemicals that boost the immune system and that serve as a natural anti-depressant. Environmental triggers that occur while working in the garden –handling soil and a certain soil bacteria, Mycobacterium vaccae, triggers the release of serotonin in the brain.

With all that planting and harvesting, no wonder the residents at The Hearth are so happy. Residents and Team members alike in the Assisted Living and Memory Care Community love reaping the results of their gardening efforts.

To learn more about The Hearth at Drexel, Click Here