What helps keep your mind and body strong as you age? This question worries many scientists and doctors, because humanity as a whole is inexorably aging. And each of us individually is not getting any younger either. But can we at least prolong our youth?
One of the longest-term studies on longevity factors was conducted at the University of Edinburgh. It turned out that gardening is one of the key factors that not only allows you to stay physically fit, but also keeps your cognitive abilities (memory, thinking) in good shape.
A group of psychological scientists followed the lives of 550 people in Scotland, from 1932, when they were at school, until today. During this time, several generations of psychologists have changed and several hundred participants in the Scottish study reached the age of 79 or older, some even up to 90 years or older.
Of the 467 people, almost 31% had never gardened, but 43% had done so regularly for as long as they could remember.
It turned out that avid gardeners, even at ages 79 to 90, showed better results in memory retention, problem-solving ability and verbal fluency than those who did not grow flowers, vegetables or gardens.
“Use it or lose it” is the fundamental principle that allows us to retain memory and thought for many years, says Janie Corley, a doctor of psychology at the University of Edinburgh. And gardening just gives us problems with an asterisk.
The important thing here is that you learn something new every day: about plant life, about pest and weed control, about new varieties and strains. And long-term planning of your actions. This is a multi-step process that includes researching the terrain on the site, planning planting, and purchasing seeds and plants. And finally, collecting and preserving the fruits of your labor. In addition, a whole large family of several generations can unite around gardening – from grandparents to grandchildren and even great-grandchildren.
It turned out that gardening is one of the key factors that not only allows you to stay physically fit, but also keeps your cognitive abilities (memory, thinking) in good shape.
Photo: Vladimir VELENGURIN. Go to Photobank KP
The gardening trend is also supported by Maria Sotskaya, a candidate of biological sciences and associate professor at the Department of General Psychology at the Institute of Experimental Psychology of Moscow State Psychological and Pedagogical University.
– Residents of large cities are now trying to spend as much time as possible in nature. Hurray for “remote housing”, which allows some city residents to move to their dachas for almost the whole year, together with their older generations, the expert told Komsomolskaya Pravda. – Having your own garden and working in it has a positive effect on life satisfaction; many studies have come to similar results, not only the one in Edinburgh. In addition, this is a great way to increase the level of physical activity, and even in the fresh air, which is good in every sense.
WHAT OTHER ADVANTAGES CAN YOU FIND?
– Many experienced gardeners actively communicate on social networks, attend seminars and conferences. It has been proven that broad social connections prolong life.
– Studying plants, their growing conditions, observing insects and animals in the garden helps to broaden one’s horizons.
– Gardening hobbies provide ample opportunities for creativity. This includes creating mini-parks, flower arrangements, and growing new plant varieties. You can take part in flower and fruit exhibitions.
– Working on the site gives you a sense of accomplishment, a tangible achievement. Yesterday there were still fragile sprouts here, but now beautiful lilies are blooming.
– Bright, colorful flowers and green plants themselves help improve mood, creating an atmosphere of freshness and joy, reducing stress and anxiety (proven by research).
– The possibility of getting a harvest reduces the level of anxiety (they say, we don’t care about everything, we will feed ourselves).
– The passion for gardening is undoubtedly a multidisciplinary intellectual activity that requires a constant increase in the level of knowledge and broadening of the horizons of the person engaged in it. All this helps to preserve the cognitive qualities of an elderly person, says biologist Maria Sotskaya.
IMPORTANT!
Can it do any harm?
– Yes, if you overexert yourself! Older people often suffer from musculoskeletal diseases. That’s why it’s worth remembering how to reduce the stress on your joints when working in bed. For example, use knee pads or benches when weeding and loosening.
Hypertensive patients should not spend hours with their butts up in the air, weed control should not be carried out in the sun; approach the tasks of your dacha with prudence. Do not take care of flower beds and flowerbeds, but first of all take care of yourself.
“Planning, your own pace and regular breaks are the key to success,” says Maria Sotskaya. – In hot weather, only the easiest tasks are done. The more difficult ones are better postponed until early morning, evening or another more favorable period. There may be excess grass in the garden, but summer residents will be fine.
