4 Benefits of Indoor Plants for the Elderly

You probably love your garden. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as growing your own veggies. Or seeing your perennial flowers in bloom. But did you know that gardening can be done inside, too? Indoor gardening is growing in popularity, and it’s easy to see why. Not only do indoor plants look great, but they also have heaps of benefits, especially for older adults. So, here are four of the most important benefits of indoor plants for the elderly.

1. Stress Relief

Reducing our stress level is essential in maintaining good mental health, especially as we age. Recent studies have shown that keeping live plants around the home may reduce stress. They also make us feel more at ease, and comfortable in our environment. Think about how you feel when walking through your local park. Calm, right? Now imagine your home full of beautiful, green foliage.

2. Increased Productivity

Studies have shown that plants not only reduce stress, but they also increase productivity. Having one or two live plants nearby when completing a task (like doing a crossword puzzle, or baking a cake), can support concentration and focus. So, if you want to make the most of your time, pop down to your local nursery and pick up some greenery.

3. Better Health

Did you know that some plants actually filter the air we breathe? Studies have shown that some varieties of indoor plants remove toxins from the air. They also reduce dust and release water vapour into the air, increasing humidity. All these factors make for easy breathing. And are especially beneficial for those with respiratory issues or allergies.

4. Time Well Spent

After retirement, it’s a great idea to take up a few new hobbies. You could play tennis, start painting, or collect coins. Or you could start indoor gardening. Just like caring for a pet, keeping plants happy and healthy is a challenge, and a rewarding one at that. It’s satisfying seeing your plant grow big and tall, because of the work you put in. And because indoor plants are alive, they can also act as companions.

If you need help getting started with indoor gardening, or caring for your indoor plants, we can help. Simply Helping’s in home care services include gardening and more. Click here to contact us today.