Healthy Living, Retirement Tips

6 Reasons Why Gardening is Great for Your Health at Any Age

A lush garden full of vibrant colors and scents certainly appeals to the senses. But did you know that gardening can also play an important role in your overall health and well-being?

Not only should you stop smell and the roses, you should tend to them and help them grow. Gardeners can benefit from the sunlight, exercise and brain-boosting effects of this ageless hobby.

It’s never too late to get started, so read on for six health advantages of gardening:

1. Improves immunity. You often have your sleeves rolled up and your elbows deep in dirt — and that’s a good thing! According to Harvard medical researchers, exposure to dirt can lower your susceptibility to asthma and inflammatory bowel diseases. If minute amounts happen to be ingested, soil even protects the stomach against toxins, parasites and pathogens. While we’re not advocating making a mud pie, gardening can be a great way to give your immunity a natural boost.
2. Exposure to vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for strong bones, cell growth and fighting infection — and sunlight happens to be the best source of this power-packed vitamin. One study found that exposure to sunlight helps older adults achieve adequate serum vitamin D levels. Just don’t forget to wear sunscreen, sunglasses and even a hat for protection from harmful rays.
3. Boosts your mood. Aside from the vitamin D benefits, the sun’s rays also boost serotonin levels in your brain. Serotonin is a chemical that contributes to your well-being and happiness; in fact, low levels are often associated with anxiety and depression. So, if you’re prone to the seasonal blues, a little bit of work in the yard may help lift your spirits.
4. Relieves stress and anxiety. Did you know that gardening can lower cortisol levels in your brain? Cortisol, commonly known as the stress hormone, can cause blood pressure and glucose levels to fluctuate dangerously high when there’s an abundance. But by putting your green thumb to work, you can help keep levels stable.
5. Puts your body to work. Research shows that staying active keeps the body flexible and healthy, and gardening is a great form of aerobic exercise. From lifting tools to twisting and bending as you pull weeds, gardening will help you work new muscle groups and increase strength.
6. Promotes lifelong learning. If you’re new to gardening, it can be fun to immerse yourself in the latest trends, needs of specific plants in your geographic region, best times of day to water, and more. And as you’re watching your plants to come life, their growth delivers a sense of meaning and accomplishment that may have been muted with retirement.

Get ready to dig in! Gardening can provide beautiful and satisfying results, while improving your physical, mental and emotional health for years to come. 

Wondering where you’ll plant your garden?

If you’re newly retired or approaching this phase of your life, you may be exploring options to ensure a home that’s compatible with your retirement lifestyle and finances. A reverse mortgage from Reverse Mortgage Funding, LLC (RMF) is a financial tool that can provide funds to make home renovations or purchase a new home where you can make the most of your retirement years — including your gardening hobby.

To learn more, give us a call at 888-277-1567 to set up an in-person, no-obligation appointment with an experienced reverse mortgage specialist.

This content is sponsored by RMF, one of the nation’s leading reverse mortgage lenders. We are dedicated to helping older Americans retire more freely, in the comfort of their own homes. As a result of our commitment to providing an extraordinary and positive customer experience, we have earned a 98% customer satisfaction rating;** a 5-star / Excellent score on Trustpilot; 4.8 out of 5 stars on LendingTree; and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Call 888-277-1567 to speak with a licensed reverse mortgage specialist to learn about our retirement financing products and solutions.

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