Selecting the Right Gardening Tools for Elders
According to the National Library of Medicine, gardening ranks second as a favorite outdoor physical activity. The problem is that around 60% of seniors report some level of pain in the hours after.
A key way to prevent this kind of issue is by finding gardening tools for seniors that have your comfort in mind.
Here at Carroll Place, we want to ensure you're able to enjoy a favorite activity while lowering your risk of pain afterward. We've put together this guide to explain the kind of senior-friendly gardening tools you should look to add to your toolbox. Keep reading to learn more about how to minimize gardening discomfort by making a simple switch!
Safety Equipment
The first thing you'll want to start with is going through the kind of safety-specific equipment you use.
Some gardeners don't think to use items such as gloves and then end up with cracked skin and irritating calluses. They enjoy the sunlight but don't bother with sunscreen, and then they suffer from sunburns.
Making use of basic safety gear can help you get the benefits of gardening while keeping yourself protected from easily preventable problems. Gear to equip yourself with includes:
- Thick gardening gloves
- Sunscreen of at least SPF 30
- Sturdy boots or shoes
- High-quality back brace
Ergonomic Handles
Have you ever taken a closer look at the handles of your tools? Ergonomic garden tools have specialized handles that help keep your hands situated in a better position.
It's easy to fall into the habit of holding a tool the wrong way, which ends up causing damage to your muscles or joints.
Choosing ergonomic tools can help correct posture and position. It might feel weird when you first use it, but it will pay off in the end when you no longer feel the strain after an afternoon spent with your plants.
Long Reach
Bending down to use your tools can exhaust your body long before you're ready to be done gardening for the day. Kneeling is another issue for many seniors and often causes problems with joints. Plus, it can be tricky to stand back up.
Tools that have a long reach are a great way to offset this problem. With an extended handle, you'll minimize the necessity for bending and kneeling. You'll maintain better balance and avoid straining muscles and joints.
If you can't find ready-made tools with a long reach, it's possible to find handle extenders that can achieve a similar effect.
Lightweight
The weight of a tool is another quality you'll want to consider. Heavy tools offer no real advantage over lightweight gardening equipment so it's better to switch to items you can hold easily for a long time.
Unless you're doing rigorous or industrial gardening, lighter tools work like a dream. You'll still want to make sure to do some research or ask your fellow gardeners for their favorite lightweight tool recommendations.
Once you find a brand you trust, stick to it for future purchases.
Sturdy Grip
Even a tool with a lighter weight and an ergonomic handle can be tricky to hold if it doesn't have the right kind of grip. When picking out your next set of gardening tools, test the grip before deciding.
Can you twist your hand without it slipping? Do you feel confident that you'll maneuver it in the soil without dropping it all the time?
If the answer is no, then look for a different style of tool. When in doubt, look for tools with deep ridges made of rubber foam or silicone.
Tool Transportation
Needing to make several trips back and forth simply to bring your tools out to the garden can be a hurdle that'll make you avoid gardening altogether. Instead, invest in an easy-to-manage transportation cart.
Even a small bag can make a positive difference but a rigid cart that stands on its own can make things even better for you. You can stand it next to your garden for easy tool-switching as you work during your favorite communal activity.
Raised Garden Beds
Sometimes the most fool-proof way to avoid back pain after gardening is to change the foundation of the garden. When you elevate the garden's height, you'll no longer need to bend down to work on it. Some gardeners even have their plants situated right outside their senior apartment window so they can see the growth every day.
This gives you the best of both worlds, although it can be a lengthy installation process.
Keep in mind that a raised bed means you don't need to worry about long-handled tools. Instead, it's often better to go with shorter handles because you'll have the soil within easy reach.
Not all gardeners enjoy the idea of raised garden beds because the style can change the way water drains from the soil and can lead to drier plants. If you suffer from terrible joint or back pain, however, it's worth it to give this style of garden bed a try.
Comfort Accessories
Another way to ensure safe gardening for seniors is to equip yourself with accessories that have your comfort in mind. These items can change depending on which areas of gardening give you the most trouble. Common items include:
- Cushioned knee pads
- Support cuffs
- Electric weeders
- Kneeling bench
- Apron
Unlike safety-focused items, it's possible to garden without these items. However, once you spend a day with the support of these accessories, it'll be difficult to leave them behind ever again.
Community Gardening Tools for Seniors
Finding the right kind of gardening tools for seniors doesn't have to be a difficult task. By following our guide, you'll ensure your tools will help you get the best results with minimal issues. You'll get to participate in gardening as much as you want without worry.
Safe gardening is only one of the engaging activities you can enjoy when you join Carroll Place Assisted Living. At our community in Carroll, OH, we offer residents a variety of activities and events, including ones that'll make the garden a starring feature. Don't hesitate to contact us for more information and see the buzzing atmosphere for yourself!