Plants have special super powers that can help create a peaceful living environment. As we age, it becomes more important than ever to cultivate and maintain a healthy lifestyle and manage age-related stress and changes. One way of promoting that is to incorporate plants into your home. For years, plants have been known to benefit people of any age, both physically and mentally. Within this article, we will discuss a few of the various ways adding a potted plant to your living space can help promote a healthy lifestyle.
Improved Air Quality: Plants are natural air purifiers and can help improve air quality in any space, big or small. Seniors can be more susceptible to respiratory infections which means adding a living air purifier can help older adults keep these issues at bay. Snake plants, spider plants and peace lilies are extremely effective at removing harmful toxins from the air.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Some scientific studies have shown that simply being in the presence of plants can have a calming effect on the mind and body. This can be especially helpful for seniors who may be dealing with stress, anxiety or depression. Plants can help create a sense of peace and tranquility in any space which will allow seniors to feel more relaxed and at ease in their home.
Increased Physical Activity: Taking care of plants can be a great form of physical activity for seniors. It can involve physical tasks such as watering, pruning and repotting, all of which will get the body active and engaged. Additionally, spending time in nature has been shown to have a positive effect on physical health, including lowering blood pressure and improving immune function.
Improved Cognitive Function: Research has found that exposure to nature can have a positive impact on cognitive function, including memory and attention span. This is particularly important to those seniors who are at risk for cognitive decline. By incorporating plants into their daily lives, seniors can help keep their minds sharp and better focused.
Sense of Purpose: As we age, it can become a challenge to find a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Caring for plants can provide older adults with a sense of responsibility and accomplishment. It can also provide an opportunity for social interaction, as seniors may share their love of plants with friends and family.
Improved Sleep: There are several plants and herbs available that have been shown to have a calming effect on the mind and body which would promote better sleep. Some examples could include lavender, jasmine, and chamomile. Incorporating plants into your nighttime routine, perhaps by enjoying a cup of chamomile tea, can help aging adults sleep better which is important to maintain healthy aging.
As you have learned, plants provide households with endless benefits, whether it’s a small potted plant on a windowsill or a larger garden space. They can help provide a sense of peace, purpose and fulfillment into a seniors life. Fill your space with your favorite plants and see how your mental health can evolve for the better of healthy aging.
Check out more helpful articles: here! Or, get inspired by our healthy weekly recipes: here!
コメント