At Community Gardens Australia, we know gardening is good for the body and soul, but growing evidence shows it may also help us live longer, healthier lives. From improved mental health to better physical function, gardening is now being recognised as a powerful tool in supporting healthy ageing and even reducing the risk of dementia.
In Norway, specially designed ‘care farms’ offer people living with dementia a chance to reconnect with nature, with others, and with a sense of purpose. These farms are part of a national strategy to provide dementia care that’s meaningful and stimulating. Participants carry out simple garden tasks, press apples, tend animals, and work side by side with others, all activities that engage both the body and the brain.
The cognitive benefits of gardening are increasingly backed by science. A recent study from the University of Edinburgh found that people who gardened regularly showed greater improvements in cognitive ability over their lifetime than those who didn’t. The reason? Gardening engages memory, problem-solving, and attention, all critical functions that help keep our brains resilient as we age.
Experts like Dr. Melissa Lem, a Canadian physician and researcher, believe that “green prescriptions” – social or medical prescriptions to spend time in nature – can reduce stress, improve blood pressure, and support healthy weight and blood sugar levels. These changes, in turn, lower the risk of diseases that contribute to dementia.
It’s not just the physical act of gardening that helps. Being in natural surroundings reduces stress, lifts mood, and improves concentration. In fact, just looking at greenery can have measurable benefits, something architects are increasingly incorporating into their designs.
In Australia, our community gardens are well-placed to be part of this growing movement. Whether it’s through informal gardening sessions, organised programs, or partnerships with local health services, our gardens can offer accessible, enjoyable ways for people of all ages, but particularly older adults, to stay mentally sharp and socially connected.
So next time you pick up a trowel or share a cuppa in the garden, remember – every seed planted and every conversation shared in the garden contributes to a richer, healthier life, for ourselves and our communities.
