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‘It’s just so close to my heart’

Andrews Senior Care residents enjoy benefits of gardening

Anita Ayers remembers her first garden

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It was 1954, her first home with her husband Lorne Hennessey, and she was thrilled to have her very own plot of soil to tend

At times it was physically challenging work, but Anita didn’t mind She liked being active and outdoors, even it meant chilly afternoons in late fall planting daffodil bulbs

“It’s just so close to my heart to see new flowers coming up every spring,” she said “Anybody that doesn’t love flowers, they’re missing something ” Her passion for gardening stayed with her through five kids and two husbands Seventy years later, she’s still going strong and is one of a number of Andrews Senior Care residents who take part in annual gardening projects at our homes

“I look forward to it,” she said “This year I’ll be planting some more lovely perennials because I want them to come back every year ”

For Anita, digging in the soil, being in the sunshine and seeing the literal fruits of her labour, has a positive impact on her sense of well-being.

“When you ’ re down on your knees and your planting flowers or whatever, you ’ re close to God,” she said. “And I truly believe in that.”

It’s an experience many gardeners share. In fact, recent studies have shown significant health benefits attributed to gardening, especially for seniors.

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In addition to lowered stress levels, research has shown positive impacts in mental alertness, socialization and physical fitness. Likewise, seniors who’d moved from home into a senior care facility found gardening to be a way to form a connection with their new living environment.

Arlene Gallant, resident of Andrews of Summerside, is one such person

Prior to moving into our Summerside home, Arlene lived in New Annan with her husband Fred There, she grew a mix of vegetables and flowers

“We always had a little patch somewhere,” she said “And if we didn’t, Fred would make it for me ”

Now, she and a few other residents put together planter boxes in the courtyard every spring, growing a variety of vegetables and herbs

While it’s not quite as intensive as her gardens in New Annan, it keeps her busy

“If I can get out there and pull weeds or do whatever, I’m gonna go there,” said Arlene “I love it ”

Adrienne Lacroix, activity director at our ProTem Memory Care homes in Moncton, N B , has witnessed the positive impact gardening can have on residents living with dementia

“For people living with dementia, well-being is also tied to the ability to enjoy familiar activities which cultivate a feeling of comfort,” she said “Garden therapy is at the top of the list (of activites )”

At ProTem, residents take part in a variety of gardening activities throughout the year. In the fall, they plant daffodil bulbs, in early winter they help trim holly branches for Christmas decorations and in the spring they plant garden boxes throughout the shared backyard. Residents are also brought on excursions to garden centres to help select what will be planted each year.

“Often, the residents start sharing memories about working with their mothers or their grandmothers in the garden,” she said “You can see the joy light up on their faces ”

Which, is the primary benefit as far as Andrews of Summerside resident Doris DeWolfe is considered

“I just love working in the soil and seeing things grow, ” she said “I enjoy it very much ”

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