Gardening is a rewarding hobby in itself, but according to a 2022 study, the benefits may extend to physical health as well.
A study of nearly 146,000 American adults ages 65 and older found that those who reported gardening as part of their physical activity were less likely to develop various health problems.
The researchers looked at risk factors for cardiovascular disease, mental health, fruit and vegetable intake, and death over a 10-year period. In general, gardeners reported fewer health problems than non-athletes.
And compared to the exercise group, the gardeners reported fewer cases of diabetes.
The researchers, mostly from Pennsylvania State University, didn't speculate on why gardening had this effect and said "more long-term or interventional research is needed."
Additionally, another study published in England in 2021 reported that people who gardened weekly had lower levels of stress. They think they're healthy, but that's why they don't garden.
"Improved health was not the primary motivation for gardening, but the immediate gratification that gardening provided for the participants," the study abstract states.
It was enough to take care of the garden. Enjoying a lush garden adds to the quality of time spent outdoors.
'There was evidence of increased satisfaction with the front garden and time spent there,' the researchers wrote.
Remember that gardening helps relieve stress, which can prevent some health problems. As your garden grows better, you'll want to grow more! Sounds like a great place to start: protection from the challenges of everyday life that's good for your mental and physical health.
As the English poet Minnie Aumonier said: "When the world is tired and society is not full, there is always a garden".
