The best hobby for your health

Research shows that people who do moderate physical activity at least once a week are two-and-a-half times more likely to age healthily. This means that gardening, washing the car, dancing or walking could all add years to your life. So how does it all work?

Physical activity improves muscle mass

You might not think of gardening as exercise, but it actually involves many physical activities such as walking, bending, stretching, digging, raking, lifting and moving things around. As we get older, the natural ageing process turns muscle into fat, which means we’re more likely to have falls. But physical activity helps to improve muscle mass, making people sturdier and less likely to fall. For women, exercise also helps prevent osteoporosis and bone thinning, reducing their risk of hip fractures.

Gardening helps prevent obesity

We become more prone to obesity as we age, as our metabolisms slow down and people simply aren’t able to exercise as much as they used to. But just because your running days are behind you, doesn’t mean you can’t still be active. Gentle physical activity such as gardening can help maintain weight and prevent obesity, along with a range of other health issues such as high blood pressure and cholesterol. So when you get out in the garden, you’re improving your overall health by keeping the kilos off.

Gardening improves mental health

A recent study by Bakker Spalding found 88 per cent of people reported that spending time in their garden improves their mental wellbeing. Gardening reduces stress, builds self-esteem, and reduces the risk of dementia. It is very therapeutic to plant herbs, flowers or trees, nurture them and watch them grow over time. Gardening can also help people connect with others, reducing feelings of isolation. If you are feeling depressed or anxious, stepping outside into the fresh air and getting your hands dirty for a few hours can make a world of difference.

Growing your own produce improves your diet

Growing fruit and vegetables means that after harvest time, your pantry will be chock full of tomatoes and beans, onions and garlic, squashes and potatoes, beets and carrots. Having plenty of gorgeous, fresh produce in your kitchen means you can cook healthy, nutritious meals, improving your diet.

Hand strength and dexterity

As people get older, the strength and dexterity in their hands can diminish over time. Gardening can help keep hand muscles strong and agile as it involves use of our motor skills. Water plants and grass areas by hand now and again. Change tasks frequently if you experience any pain while performing repetitive gardening tasks. And for bonus points, alternate using your right and left hand – using your non-dominant hand to perform exercises can help maintain healthy brain function in older age.

Do you get out in the garden much? What’s your favourite way to exercise?