Discover Gardening At Bergen Gardens
At Bergen Gardens, we recognize the numerous benefits that gardening can provide to the residents. Gardening is an integral activity that we offer, and all residents are encouraged to use the communal garden at the front of the building. This garden provides a range of opportunities for the residents, whether they want to plant food, spices, or just plants, it is all designed to improve residents' well-being.
Gardening at Bergen Gardens provides benefits that exceed just being a hobby. Gardening allows residents to engage in social interaction and create a sense of community. The communal garden provides a space for residents to interact and share their gardening ideas and experiences, which fosters a supportive environment. One way residents can do this is through the gardening club that meets weekly.
Physical Health Benefits
Staying Active Through Gardening
Gardening provides Bergen Gardens residents with an exciting way to engage in physical activity. Gardening activities like planting, watering, and harvesting can promote improved health and mobility. In general, gardening can increase strength, endurance, and flexibility, all while not putting much strain on the body.
Boosting Immune Health
It is important for Bergen Gardens residents to spend time outdoors—lots of the activities that occur at Bergen are indoors—and gardening provides residents with the opportunity to get fresh air and interact with nature. Receiving fresh air and sunlight can strengthen the immune system which is important for seniors to maintain good health.
Mental & Emotional Well-Being
Stress Relief & Relaxation
Gardening can provide aid in the release of stress and the promotion of relaxation. The action of tending to plants while being outside in fresh air is a fantastic way to find peace and relaxation. At Bergen Gardens, residents express their excitement for continuing to watch their plants grow and the peace and joy they receive from tending to them.
Combatting Depression & Anxiety
Watching the progress and growth of your plants throughout the summer can be a powerful tool for boosting a resident's mood. The excitement they have when they go outside and see how much their plants have grown gives them something to continually look forward to. This continued excitement has been proven to lessen the symptoms of depression and anxiety. The act of tending to a garden and the joy associated with it can help shift the resident's focus away from negative thoughts to a more positive outlook.
Cognitive Benefits
Enhancing Cognitive Function
Tending to a garden and the planning and maintaining aspects associated with it help stimulate cognitive functions. The act of gardening requires residents to plan, organize, problem-solve, and memorize, which can all be attributed to increased cognitive function. This is an excellent mental exercise for residents looking to maintain and improve their cognitive health.
Therapeutic Gardening For Memory Care
Gardening can be especially beneficial for the residents that are in Memory Care, as it can be used as a form of therapy. The act of gardening and the tasks associated with it can support Memory Care residents with their cognitive function and provide sensory stimulation. Gardening can help Memory Care residents feel accomplished and connected with the environment.
Social & Community Engagement
Building Social Connections
Gardening has numerous social benefits too as it is a powerful tool for residents to create social connections. There are numerous ways that gardening can foster social connections, whether it is through our weekly gardening club meetings, joint gardening projects, or just casual conversations in and around the garden. Residents have the opportunity to connect and develop relationships with other residents through a mutual interest. Social interaction is crucial for residents developing and maintaining a sense of community and not feeling isolated.
Group Gardening Projects
At Bergen Gardens, residents have the opportunity to collaborate with other residents on group gardening projects. Group gardening projects can create an environment that promotes teamwork, communication, and shared achievement. Residents can watch their projects grow together, which increases social connection and the overall well-being of the Bergen Gardens community.
Personalized Gardening Experiences
Customizable Gardening Options
At Bergen Gardens, residents can personalize their gardening experience to their liking: residents can plant a variety of different crops whether vegetables, herbs, or just plants to keep around their residence. This summer, residents have planted things like tomatoes, rhubarb, basil, and much more.
Support & Resources
Bergen Gardens offers all the support and resources for residents to have a successful gardening experience, including all the tools necessary, a constant water supply, and educational resources. Gardening has extensive therapeutic, physical, and social benefits and it is important that residents are given the best gardening experience possible.
Conclusion: Embrace The Joy Of Gardening At Bergen Gardens
Gardening offers numerous long-term benefits for seniors, including improvements in mental, physical, and social well-being. At Bergen Gardens, we invite you to explore our vibrant gardening community and experience the joy and advantages of gardening firsthand. Join us and become part of a health-promoting, supportive environment where you can thrive and enjoy the many benefits of gardening.
One of the other ways Bergen Gardens helps improve residents’ lives is with its town square attractions. Come for a tour! For assisted living in Winnipeg, contact us at Bergen Gardens today!