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A garden can be a wonderful space to occupy no matter your age, but it’s fair to say that the challenges of navigating a piece of nature can be more present when we’re old. That’s not to say age is an impediment to good gardening, in fact, pensioners and those in their elderly years account for some of the best gardens and grown vegetables you’ll ever see, and that seems to be a worldwide phenomenon.
However, the threat that comes from a nasty fall, a bump, or a stumble can be much more pronounced when our bodies are older. For this reason, protecting ourselves from our gardens (and perhaps our gardens from us) is a wise investment worth your time. Better yet, this can be a great time to think about the renewed design of your garden, and ask if it’s still serving you as it once did. After all, you’re older and wiser now, and no doubt with better taste. Why not make some changes, and improve safety as you do it?
Here’s some advice to get you started:
Smooth & Stable Paths
It’s easy to get distracted by a beautiful garden and not pay attention to what’s under your feet, so it’s a good idea to make sure the paths are as safe as possible for you and your family. We’d suggest getting rid of any loose gravel or uneven stepping stones and making sure the surfaces are flat and non-slip.
A smooth path made from flagstones or a well-maintained deck can be a lovely alternative, and give you a stable, clear route to enjoy your garden without worrying about a tumble. You might also want to think about adding handrails on any steps or inclines to give a little extra support just in case you need it.
A Little Less Bending
The physical side of gardening can get a bit more challenging as we get older, as activities like bending over or kneeling can be a real pain. That doesn’t mean you have to give it up though! You can bring the garden up to you by using raised beds or planters on stands. You can make a decks with planters and line that with balustrades.
They let you tend to your flowers or vegetables from a more comfortable height, and you can even place them on wheels to move them around to follow the sun.
That’s a fantastic way to keep your hands in the soil and your spirits high, all while being much easier on your back and knees.
Clever Lighting & Tools
A good garden is a well-lit one, especially when you want to enjoy a beautiful evening outside. Adding lights along your paths or a few spotlights on your favorite plants can make it easier to see where you’re going and can also add a really nice ambiance.
And when you’re working in the garden, having the right tools really makes a change. Look for any tools with long handles so you don’t have to bend down as much, or handles with cushioned, ergonomic grips that are much gentler on your hands. A little cart with wheels can also be a fantasy for carrying, saving you from any heavy lifting. We’d also recommend a set of knee pads so you can kneel without harm if you ever need to.
With this advice, we hope you’ll have a great time making your garden safer for elderly use.
Note: This is a collaborative post
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