Indoor plants can play a crucial role in the mental and physical wellbeing of people at any age. However, this rings especially true when talking about our senior population. Indoor plants can aid in enhancing our daily routine, by incorporating gardening tasks into our schedules, other responsibilities appear more habitual and manageable. When considering our seniors, the simple act of watering and caring for their plants can prompt them to recall tasks they might have forgotten or even encourage them to engage in other physical activities.
Studies have shown that indoor plants can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression and can help improve your mood by increasing the feelings of calmness and relaxation. The calm and tranquil nature of caring for plants, along with the added oxygen they provide, contributes towards calming, stress- free environment. Gardening also fosters a sense of empowerment, as seniors can choose what plants they want to grow, which pots they want to use, and where they can be placed.
The fact is: a simple act of seeing a vibrant, healthy plant — a beautiful creation of nature — can significantly boost one’s mood. In this article, we will take a look at a few beginner-friendly plants seniors can care for and the amazing benefits indoor plants can provide.
Getting started with a few easy-care indoor plants
Indoor plants should be chosen and placed carefully to ensure they don’t occupy too much space or hinder a senior’s movement within a room. It’s also important to consider the ease of care, especially for those new to gardening. Luckily, the plants listed below are known for their simplicity in maintenance.
Succulents
Cacti and aloe vera are prime examples of succulents. These robust, water-retentive plants have thick leaves and are exceptionally resilient. Because they store water efficiently, they only need to be watered once or twice a month.
Benefits: It helps improve air quality and circulation, reduces stress, and helps cleanse the air by removing toxins
Bamboo
Growing bamboo is simple and adaptable to various soils or even pebbles. Monthly fertilization usually suffices. It thrives in both full and partial sunlight and can tolerate a range of temperatures with minimal pruning. Gardeners are rewarded with its elegant stems and vibrant colors.
Benefits: It helps improve the quality of the air, reduces stress, and increases productivity.
Spider Plants
These hardy plants thrive with minimal light and need fertilizing every few weeks. A weekly watering is sufficient, even if occasionally missed. Perfect for seniors, as they bring color and life to your household with little care.
Benefits: It helps improve the quality of the air and decreases fatigue.
Peace Lilly
These beautiful plants are fairly easy to grow, requiring indirect but bright sunlight, and intermittent watering. They thrive in humid environments and may be best placed in a bathroom. It is important to note that this plant is considered mildly toxic to pets and humans if ingested. Therefore, it should be kept out of reach of children or pets.
Benefits: It helps remove fungal spores that circulate in the air, keeping allergies away.
Snake Plants
This is a great starter plant and ideal for seniors as they are very easy to care for. They are very similar to cacti when it comes to their care, they can handle diverse lighting situations, minimal but thorough watering every 2-3 weeks.
Benefits: It helps with purifying the air and is effective against airborne allergies. It is a great plant for the elderly who have breathing difficulties.
Aloe Vera
This robust plant is renowned for being able to store water in its leaves, and for its healing properties. It’s ideal for seniors who prefer natural remedies for minor injuries.
Benefits: It helps treat sores and sunburns.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the health Benefits Indoor plants have
Indoor plants are not just decorative; they offer numerous health benefits, especially for the elderly. As individuals age, spending more time indoors becomes common, and incorporating plants into their living spaces can significantly enhance their well-being.
Air Quality Improvement: Indoor plants act as natural air purifiers, filtering out pollutants and toxins present in indoor environments. This is particularly beneficial for seniors, as cleaner air can reduce the risk of respiratory issues and allergies.
Stress Reduction: Studies have shown that indoor plants can help lower stress levels and promote relaxation. For elderly individuals dealing with anxiety or loneliness, nurturing plants can provide a sense of purpose and calmness.
Cognitive Benefits: Caring for plants stimulates the mind and encourages cognitive engagement. Activities such as watering, pruning, and repotting plants can help seniors maintain cognitive function and memory.
Physical Health: Some indoor plants, like Aloe Vera and Peace Lilies, offer medicinal properties. Aloe Vera, for example, is known for its healing gel that can soothe minor cuts and burns, making it a natural first aid remedy for seniors.
Social Interaction: Gardening and tending to plants can be a social activity for seniors, whether they do it alone, with family members, or in community gardens. This social interaction contributes to emotional well-being and a sense of belonging.
Aesthetic Enhancement: Indoor plants add beauty and vibrancy to living spaces, creating a more pleasant environment for seniors to relax and enjoy their surroundings.
Therapeutic Benefits: Horticultural therapy, which involves engaging with plants and gardens, has been shown to improve overall mental and physical health in seniors. It provides a therapeutic outlet for emotional expression and stress relief.
Conclusion
Indoor plants represent more than just decorative elements in the homes of seniors—they are powerful allies in promoting physical health, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. By improving indoor air quality through natural filtration of pollutants, plants can contribute towards respiratory health, reducing the risk of allergies and respiratory issues common among seniors.
Moreover, the act of caring for indoor plants provides meaningful activities that stimulate cognitive function and memory retention. From watering and pruning to repotting and observing growth, these tasks engage seniors mentally and physically, helping to maintain their independence and sense of purpose.
Beyond the practical benefits, indoor plants offer therapeutic advantages. Horticultural therapy, increasingly recognized in healthcare settings, harnesses the healing power of plants to alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression.
Take care of your loved ones at Lonehill Manor
At Lonehill Manor, we understand the importance of leading a healthy and happy retirement. One way we practice this is through the creation and regular maintenance of our beautiful and lush grounds. Residents can easily take a stroll through our gardens, settle down for a picnic, or perhaps enjoy a bit of bird watching. We also offer various activities for our residents to enjoy and encourage residents to make their spaces unique.
Start your retirement journey at Lonehill Manor today. Contact us on 010 534 6277 or send us an email at info@manor-retirement.co.za to book a viewing.
