Few activities nurture the whole person quite like gardening. It’s an experience that connects the body, mind and spirit in unique and rewarding ways. Even better, it’s a scalable sort of hobby that is accessible to people of all abilities and all stages of life.
For seniors, gardening brings a special set of benefits. In fact, physical and emotional rewards are an inherent part of gardening for seniors. The opportunity to engage in low-impact activity, spend time in a purposeful way and produce tangible results for the effort are all part of the experience—although many older adults derive such personal pleasure from puttering in the garden that they don’t even realize just how beneficial gardening can be.
How a Common Hobby Promotes Wellness
If you’re someone who simply enjoys the feeling of your hands in the dirt and the process of bringing tiny seeds to life, you may not think much about the ways gardening can improve your quality of life. In fact, gardening is one of the more popular hobbies for seniors that has great potential to make a difference in your overall well-being. Consider these potential impacts of gardening for seniors:
Physical activity: Many of the chores you tackle in the garden—like raking and digging—get your heart rate up and your blood pumping enough to count as moderately vigorous activity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Even less demanding tasks still require physical effort, and it all counts as exercise that helps reduce your risk of disease and protects your heart health.
Better balance: Making your way through the garden requires plenty of bending, shifting your weight and other movements that involve balance and stability. Over time, you may find your mobility improves as a result of your work in the garden.
Vitamins and immunity: Spending time outdoors gives you a chance to soak up some natural vitamin D from the sun, which is good news for your bone health and immune system. Some researchers also believe exposure to microbes in the soil when gardening can help support stronger immunity, and others believe gardening can play a role in reducing inflammation.
Sense of purpose: In retirement, it’s common for seniors to struggle with finding meaningful ways to pass their free time. Tending a garden offers a sense of purpose and pride that can positively affect your mental health and self-esteem.
Cognitive engagement: Planning, planting and caring for a garden requires physical labor, but it also puts your brain to use in a practical way to keep your cognitive skills sharp and dementia at bay.
Mood regulation: Numerous studies affirm the soothing benefits of spending time in nature, supporting a connection between gardening and mental health. Whether you’re peacefully soaking up the sights and sounds of a vibrant garden or actively engaging with your natural surroundings, you’re likely to experience a lift in your mood.
Creative expression: Art therapy is highly regarded as a healthy and effective way to channel pent-up feelings, and a garden can serve as an endless palette for self-expression as you design, create and nurture life.
Gardening Safety for Seniors
Most people don’t think of gardening as a high-risk activity, but there are some precautions you can take to prevent accidents and protect your safety while you enjoy your hobby. These tips promote safe gardening for seniors:
Protect your skin. Whether you’ll be gardening outdoors or in a greenhouse, take time to apply a layer of sunscreen to any skin that will be exposed. While you’re engrossed in your gardening activities, you may not notice the heat, but any time you’re exposed to the sun, you’re susceptible to burning (even on cloudy days).
Stay well hydrated. When you get caught up in caring for your garden, you may not realize how quickly time passes. Avoid the health risks that come from dehydration by carrying a drink with you and replenishing your body frequently.
Wear sturdy shoes. You’ll undoubtedly spend a fair bit of time on your feet when gardening, so you’ll need comfortable shoes that fit snugly and protect your soles and arches. This is especially important if you’re planning to garden outdoors, where you’re more likely to encounter uneven ground than in a greenhouse or a patio.
Ease your body into exercise mode. Gardening truly is a physical activity, and any type of exercise warrants a brief warmup period to prevent injuries. Take a few minutes to stretch before you dig in so you can ensure your muscles are loose and limber for the job.
Keep help within reach. You may appreciate the peace and solitude of your time in the garden, but keeping a cell phone or emergency call system handy will give you peace of mind in case you twist an ankle, get light–headed or some other unexpected event arises.
Use senior-friendly gardening supplies. Be selective about the gardening tools you choose so you can manage them comfortably and safely. Look for ergonomically designed styles that aren’t too heavy and offer a comfortable grip. Also consider using raised beds, pots and planters that elevate your planting surface for easier tending.
Avoid stooping or bending. One challenge of gardening for older adults is the toll it can take on your back and other muscles when you hunch over your garden or pots. Rely on a lightweight but sturdy bench or stool to sit comfortably when you need a break. (Tip: Use a five-gallon bucket with a pillow on top for an easy DIY seat that can double as a tote for your tools.)
Administer first aid quickly. It’s important to give prompt attention to any nicks and scratches you accumulate while you garden. As you age, even simple wounds can get infected and take longer to heal, so promptly cleaning, disinfecting and bandaging minor injuries (or seeking medical treatment for more serious ones) will ensure you’re back in the garden again quickly.
The Gardens at Canterbury Court
Acres of gorgeous gardens make Canterbury Court one of the most stunning senior living communities you’ll find. The Legacy Gardens—widely regarded as the jewel of the community—encompass more than 10 acres of protected wildlife right within the heart of the community.
The gardens feature a mature canopy of trees with grassy areas that beckon for picnics and quiet afternoons basking in the sun. Walkways invite residents to take a stroll with scenery so delightful they often forget they’re actually exercising.
Not only do the Legacy Gardens appeal to residents and their guests, but a remarkable number of birds and butterflies frequent the area, as well. In fact, Monarch Pavilion (the community’s health center) was named for the Monarch butterflies that dance throughout the sanctuary.
An impressive collection of birds calls the Gardens home, as well, including robins, cardinals, sparrows and even some resident hawks. In fact, bird-loving residents gather regularly for special bird watching and appreciation events. During the 2025 Great Backyard Bird Count, held earlier this year, residents identified 54 birds in all, representing 19 distinct species.
Those who prefer to get more hands-on with their gardening may be delighted to know that Canterbury Court has a dedicated Garden Committee with numerous subcommittees that invite residents to organize programs and activities that encourage gardening for seniors. They have an active role in developing future enhancements for the garden, which is truly in a continual state of growth and renewal.
In fact, this spring will bring two new pollinator gardens, including a caterpillar nursery, along with a Residents’ Kitchen Garden where fresh produce will flourish.
These new features will complement a glass-enclosed greenhouse that allows residents to tend to their gardens year-round and a series of outdoor gardening beds for seasonal planting.
The passionate gardeners share a tight-knit camaraderie within the community, but it’s a circle that eagerly welcomes new residents to the fold—avid gardeners and beginners alike. If spending your retirement in a garden oasis with the energy of bustling Buckhead nearby sounds like your own kind of Eden, make plans to visit and begin exploring how you can plant some roots of your own.