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Gardening as a powerful therapeutic and lifestyle-supportive activity for people, especially seniors
Seniors are rediscovering purpose and peace through gardening, finding that it’s not just about nurturing plants, but also about nurturing themselves.
The retirement years are often painted as golden, yet for millions of seniors, they bring an unexpected silence—days that feel endless, minds weighed down by anxiety or depression, and hands that once built and created now left idle. But amidst this quiet, a gentle revolution is taking root—in gardens, on windowsills, and in shared community plots. Seniors are rediscovering purpose and peace through gardening, finding that it’s not just about nurturing plants, but also about nurturing themselves.
Many research studies suggest that seniors suffer from depression or anxiety due to loneliness or a lack of hobbies. They also struggle to find a sense of purpose in daily life, especially after retirement or once their children have moved out. Sheena Sood, Consultant, Psychology & Counsellor at P.D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Khar, Mumbai, states, “There are many studies that show that after 60, seniors need to remain engaged in hobbies. This is essential for cognitive development, a better mood, and for feeling a sense of purpose. Many seniors may feel that digging and planting, and dealing with mud and dirt, is not an innovative idea. The opposite is true. Playing with mud and soil and also planting something that you can nurture is an absolute joy and a great hobby.”
The repetitive motions of digging, planting, and weeding create a meditative rhythm that mirrors the benefits of mindfulness practices. “As a psychologist, I have seen patients with bipolar and personality disorders get far less triggered when gardening or doing an outdoor activity. As far as possible, digging in the dirt or gardening should be considered a go-to hobby by seniors, as it’s a wholesome act of nurture and nature. Mental health is a huge concern among seniors, and gardening is the best way to stay in touch with nature, which is our original source of nourishment,” says Ms. Sood.
Neha Sinha, Dementia Specialist, CEO & Co-founder, Epoch Elder Care, expresses, “When it comes to activities with a purpose, I’ve come to see gardening as more than a hobby; it’s a quiet form of therapy, where nurturing something outside becomes a way to nurture what’s within. Retirement and old age often bring stillness. For many elders, this stillness can feel disorienting. But give them a small plant, a patch of sunlight, and the opportunity to care—and something begins to shift. I’ve seen how even simple gardening routines bring a sense of purpose. One of our residents has early-stage dementia. He wasn’t very expressive at first, but he took to tending a few marigold plants every morning. It became a calm, familiar part of his day—a ritual he looked forward to. Over time, we noticed him more at ease, sometimes even humming softly.”
The accessibility of gardening as therapy makes it a valuable tool in addressing the growing mental health challenges among the elderly. Unlike traditional interventions that may require insurance approvals, specialist appointments, or specific facilities, gardening can be adapted to virtually any living situation or physical capability. “Science affirms what we see every day. A study done on animal models confirmed that soil contains Mycobacterium vaccae, a natural microbe that can potentially help reduce cortisol and increase serotonin. For elders with cognitive decline, gardening supports emotional well-being and sensory and motor engagement—the feel of soil, the texture of leaves, and the rhythm of watering. Whether it’s a community garden, the lawn, a balcony, or a single pot in your room, they may not seem like much, but over time, they can help elders feel a little more grounded and gently engaged. What stays with me most is the emotional resonance. Mental well-being doesn’t always need big steps. Sometimes, it begins with soft hands in soil—and a marigold that blooms back in return,” says Sinha.
The medical community increasingly recognises gardening as a legitimate therapeutic intervention. Dr. Jasmine Arora, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Artemis Hospitals, emphasises the comprehensive benefits of this approach, “Gardening is more than a hobby, it’s therapy for the soul, particularly for those over 60. It’s even more important how active we are and how we ensure our mental health. Getting your hands dirty in the soil, growing seeds, and taking care of a plant can bring calm, joy, and purpose to everyday existence.”
The formal recognition of horticultural therapy has led to its integration into treatment programs across healthcare systems. “This low-key activity is part of something called horticultural therapy, which has been found to improve mood, memory, and even social interaction in some elderly people. Serotonin, a chemical in the brain that makes you feel happy and relaxed, gets released in your body just from being in nature and touching the soil. Gardening can also help you feel less anxious, depressed, and stressed. For those with mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder or chronic stress, gardening provides a peaceful daily regimen and a sense of accomplishment. It helps with focus, improves motor skills, and provides a way to connect with others—or just experience solitude in a healthy way,” explains Dr. Arora.
At its core, getting your hands dirty in the garden is about much more than growing flowers or vegetables—it’s a way to tend to parts of yourself that need care. For those over 60, there’s something deeply healing about watching a seed you planted push through the soil, or feeling warm earth between your fingers on a quiet morning.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
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