Why Gardens are so important. Especially for Older People

Before I became a gardener I worked for several charities and organisations for older people, including Age UK and Independent Age.

A theme I saw repeatedly, was the importance of remaining independent. The definition of independent may vary between individuals and over the years, but maintaining control is important.

I’ve also seen how our personal world shrinks as we age. From commuting and international travel, to UK day trips, then shopping in the local town and being mostly at home.

Of course not everyone follows this trajectory and the transitions may come at different ages or in a different order, but as a generalisation, older people spend more time at home.

A garden can extend our horizons and provide a sense of control and continuity. Yes, there are risks, but I believe the wellbeing benefits outweigh these. Gardens aren’t just a “nice to have” in later life, they are central to older people’s health, identity, and sense of home.

I wanted to look into this in more depth. Here are the key points I found…

1. Independence and identity

Gardening and gardens are closely linked to self-image and a sense of autonomy for many older people. Continuing to work in the garden, even in a small way, means maintaining a link with one’s past roles and routines. It is not just about productivity or necessity, being able to “still swing a spade,” as one study (Foster-Collins et al, 2024) put it , is a matter of pride. Even if digging over a bed isn’t on the cards anymore, planting pots, pruning roses, or simply deciding what grows where gives a sense of control and self-worth.

2. Wellbeing

Gardens offer multiple health and wellbeing benefits. They provide gentle physical exercise, regular exposure to nature, and a place to relax. Tasks like weeding or planting support mobility and dexterity. Exposure to plants, wildlife, and the changing seasons helps reduce stress. Gardening isn’t just physical, it’s planning, problem-solving, and noticing details. Studies suggest it can help maintain cognitive function and provide meaningful stimulation, even for those living with dementia.

Gardens also give space for adapting to life changes, including bereavement and loss, offering a quiet place for reflection and remembrance. Many people plant in memory of loved ones or keep certain areas of the garden unchanged as a living link to the past. This can be a powerful way of processing loss while keeping those connections alive.

3. Accessibility

One obvious advantage of a garden is that it’s literally on your doorstep. As mobility declines or transport becomes more difficult, gardens provide accessible outdoor space that still delivers the benefits of being outside.

In fact you may not even need to go outside to benefit, there are now several studies demonstrating that simply having a green view, looking out on to a garden or natural environment, can improve mood and mental wellbeing.

4. Risk is real, but manageable

Falls in the garden are a genuine concern (see my previous blog), but research shows that most falls actually happen indoors. Outdoor falls are often experienced by healthier, more active older adults, partly because they are the ones outside engaging with their gardens. Thoughtful design, clear paths, supportive aids, and mindful movement make the risks manageable, allowing people to continue enjoying the benefits.

5. The hidden downside

The counterpoint to the positives of having a garden, is the impact it can have if it starts to get “out of control”, becoming overgrown and unruly. This can leave people feeling anxious and overwhelmed. I couldn’t find much in the research about this, but from my own experience both as a gardener and working at charities, I know this can be upsetting to people for a number of reasons:

·       What will the neighbours think? (I’m letting the street down)

·       Sense of loss (it used to be so beautiful)

·       Guilt (My late husband/wife would be upset)

·       A visual reminder of physical limitations

From a practical perspective of course having a gardener can help (I would say that..!) but the emotional aspect of this is important too, and I think deserves more focus.

I’d love to hear how you feel about your own garden. Has anything in this blog struck a chord? Please share your thoughts in the comments or contact me directly

Reference

Foster-Collins, Helen & Calitri, Raff & Tarrant, Mark & Orr, Noreen & Whear, Rebecca & Lamont, Ruth. (2024). ‘I can still swing a spade’: a qualitative exploratory study of gardening groups for people with dementia. Ageing and Society. 45. 1-27. 10.1017/S0144686X23000892.