There are many benefits of gardening and plants for seniors. It provides therapeutic benefits and can be a fantastic hobby. Plants help seniors to stay active, giving an all-inclusive natural therapy. In addition, plants are great for rejuvenating mood, reducing stress, and comforting your honest feelings.
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Boosts Your Mood
Plants add color and life to a room. It is a great way to foster relaxation, reduce stress, and help in lowering anxiety. Older people are mostly home-bound; adding plants to care for gives them a sense of companionship and combats depression. Plants do not require special care, and simple watering and giving them sunlight is enough. If you like singing, plants help in providing companionship.
Reduces Pollution
Common houseplants help reduce pollutants and dust from the air. Indoor plants can benefit people who have asthma, eye irritation, and respiratory problems. Studies show that plants help in reducing home air pollution by 60%. Some plants also help in lowering molds and bacteria.
Protects Against Cold
Studies prove that indoor plants reduce cold-related illness by 30%. Plants add moisture to the room and the optimal humidity level; it protects against dry cough and other problems like a sore throat.
Purifies Air
Plants reduce air pollution and remove harmful chemicals from the air. It recycles CO2 to produce fresh oxygen. Certain indoor plants can also absorb tobacco smoke and toxic vapors from cleaning agents. Good air quality is essential for good health. While adding plants, choose a variety that suits indoor and outdoor aesthetics with minimal care.
Top 5 Plants And Their Benefits
Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis)
Aloe vera is one of the top air-purifying plants. Aloe Vera releases oxygen at night, making it one of the best choices for your bedroom. In addition, it is a hassle-free plant and can be grown with the least amount of care. Aloe vera also has therapeutic quality; the sap on its leaf is great for skin with many health benefits. You can use the gel from the leaves for minor cuts, burns, dry skin, and skin allergies. Keep your aloe plant in sunlight and water it regularly for optimal growth.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata)
Boston ferns are a great plant for hanging baskets to arch their cheerful green ferns. The plant needs lots of light and regular mist over with a water spray. You can also put them on a plate filled with water. The plant is good for purifying the air and discharging oxygen.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
Spider plants are perfect in a hanging pot, so the leaves dangle like a spider. The plant is great for absorbing contaminants and toxic chemicals. Keep these plants in modest sunlight and water then occasionally. Once they pick up growth, it is worthwhile to water them regularly.
Snake Plant (Sanseveria Trifasciata)
A snake plant is a low-maintenance, great choice for your bedroom. Commonly known as ‘Mother-in-law’s Tongue,’ the plant is best for converting CO2 into oxygen at night. Its sword-like leaves can grow on little water and indirect sunlight. As a result, these plants have longevity and will sustain for years. The plant is a great choice for healthy and beautiful homes.
Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)
Pothos is one of the easiest plants to grow; its glossy leaves and vining stems grow at an extent of several feet. It nurtures best in sunlight with steady watering when they seem dry. Pothos plants purify the air by absorbing pollutants. These plants are also great for discharging oxygen at night.
Conclusion
Seniors can inculcate a hobby of gardening, which will boost their overall health. You can start with a few indoor and outdoor plants that require low maintenance. As your interest and attachment with plants develop, you can opt for seasonal plants and flowers in your backyard. Older people who maintain plants have a positive effect on their health.
