Gardening is a healthy, stimulating activity that can be enjoyed by older people.
It increases physical activity and maintains mobility and flexibility. As we approach the height of the Spring Racing Carnival in the southern states, the images of flowers and ceremony abound.Every Australian knows that Flemington Racecourse is home to the Melbourne Cup ‘the race that stops the nation’. But what many don’t know is that it is also home to the largest (and many would argue the most beautiful) rose garden in the Southern Hemisphere.
Boasting over 16,000 rose bushes, the Flemington Race Course Rose Garden is a fragrant and colourful mass planting. It is home to a variety of different roses such as ‘Graham Thomas’, ‘Manou Meillard’ and Rosa ‘Crepuscule’. The roses are meticulously cultivated and cared for by Terry Freeman, The Keeper of the Roses – a man who has tended to the garden for over 40 years.
When Terry Freeman began working as an apprentice at Flemington back in 1976 there were 6,000 roses but today the Rose Garden has grown in both size and in beauty. Keeping the gardens at Flemington blooming is a labour of love and requires a strict schedule.
Gardening has many health and therapeutic benefits for older people, especially edible gardening. Garden beds, equipment and tools can all be modified to create a garden that is interesting, accessible and productive.
The Victorian State Government on their Better Health Hub has some excellent information on safe and beneficial gardening for older Australians.
Benefits of gardening for older people:
Health considerations in the garden:
Adjustments to equipment and the garden for older people
Garden spaces, tools and equipment can be modified or adapted to help reduce the physical stress associated with gardening for older people. Suggestions include:
Safety in the garden for older people
Safety tips that older people (and their carers) should follow include:
Gardening activities for older people
There are many activities associated with cultivating a garden that older people may enjoy. These include:
Where to get help
If you need help with managing domestic environments that still bring you joy, Right at Home though their many offices in Australia, provide services to assist in areas such wellness and companionship and will be able to provide home care services that suit your loved ones needs.
Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care, and assistance to seniors and adults living with a disability who want to continue to live independently or age in their home. Right at Home is your local expert for issues related to caring for your loved ones, and is dedicated to keeping you informed about home care. With no admin or subscription fees Right at Home allows you to get more care from your package or budget.
Right at Home is a 'My Aged Care' government approved, home care provider for levels 1 – 4 and offers flexible in-home care services such as nursing care, after hospital care, post-operative care, respite care, dementia and Alzheimer's care. Right at Home also offers assistance with daily living such as grooming, hygiene, transport, shopping, meal prep, domestic services and social support, so your loved one can enjoy a more independent, vibrant life. Our nurses and caregivers are screened, highly trained and insured prior to entering your home so you can trust us with the caregiving while you focus on your loved one.
To find out more, please give us a call on 1300 363 802 or visit our website.
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