Seeds for Seniors
We are working with the Columbia Montour Aging Office, Inc. to provide mobile seed library boxes to senior centers in Benton, Berwick, Bloomsburg, Catawissa, and Montour Pennsylvania.
We love our seniors and want to make it easy for them to enjoy the fruits of gardening. This will be a developing program and with our partner Seeds of Faith, we hope to provide more services through time such as wheelchair accessible and standard raised beds and more!
An image gallery of some of our local seniors enjoying the mini Bloom Seed Libraries is below!
Seeds For Seniors Program Benefits
Gardening can be an excellent activity for senior citizens, providing a range of physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Here are some ways that gardening can be particularly beneficial for seniors:
Physical activity: Gardening can help seniors stay active and engaged, which can promote physical health and fitness. Tasks such as digging, planting, weeding, and watering can all provide a low-impact form of exercise that can improve strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health.
Stress relief: Gardening can be a calming and therapeutic activity that can help seniors reduce stress and anxiety. Spending time in nature and engaging in a meaningful, productive activity can help promote a sense of calm and relaxation.
Social interaction: Gardening can be a great way for seniors to connect with others and build social connections. Community gardens, in particular, can provide opportunities for seniors to meet and work alongside people of all ages and backgrounds, which can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Cognitive stimulation: Gardening can also provide cognitive stimulation and help seniors maintain mental sharpness. Activities such as planning, problem-solving, and organizing can all help stimulate the brain and promote cognitive function.
Nutritional benefits: Finally, gardening can also provide seniors with access to fresh, healthy produce, which can help promote good nutrition and overall health. Home-grown fruits and vegetables are often more flavorful and nutrient-dense than store-bought produce, and gardening can provide a sense of satisfaction and pride in growing and consuming one's own food.
In summary, gardening can provide a range of physical, mental, and emotional benefits for seniors, making it an excellent activity to promote health and well-being in later life.