There are many studies which tell us about the countless advantages of time spent outdoors at any age, but most especially, for older adults. According to the National Institute of Health, older adults tend to spend less time outdoors than any other age group, thus losing out on the myriad health benefits conferred by spending time outside, particularly in green spaces. 

According to a study by Kerr et al, for older adults, being outside leads to “greater self-reported physical functioning, less fear of falling and fewer depressive symptoms.” Time outdoors and the associated increase in Vitamin D levels can even improve bone health, which is particularly beneficial to older people. 

For all ages, spending more time outside can result in reduced stress and anxiety, improved sleep and increased overall sense of wellbeing. As the weather improves day by day and the warm spring sunshine beckons, it’s a great time for us all to be getting outdoors and reconnecting with nature. 

For our Edwardstow residents whose mobility keeps them indoors, we’ve built a wheelbarrow garden, a beautiful garden in miniature which can be wheeled into the rooms of residents who would otherwise miss out on all the benefits of connecting with nature. It’s lovely to see their faces light up at being presented with a little piece of the outdoors to enjoy in their rooms. 

Those residents who are able to are loving the opportunity which this time of year offers to get outside and spend time in the garden. We’ve got young plants sprouting on every windowsill, ready to be planted out as soon as the risk of one last frost has passed. As reigning champions of Trust in Bloom, the Orders of St John’s gardening competition, we’re also keen to keep our crown! 

The theme for this year’s competition is gardening for all the senses, and we’re looking forward to bringing our ideas to life. The most beautiful gardens bring together visual beauty with enticing scents, restful sounds and plants which are a delight to touch, from rough bark to soft grasses and smooth flower petals. For residents living with dementia, a sensory garden is a particularly important place in which to enjoy a sense of tranquillity. 

If you’ve got any ideas for our garden, we’d love to hear from you! Email, phone, or pop in to share your ideas and help keep Edwardstow at number one!