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Aging In Place Directory
Are you or a loved one hoping to live independently at home for as long as possible?
The Aging In Place Directory podcast explores all aspects of aging in place - from home modifications and safety products, to caregiving tips and resources for older adults.
Host Esther C. Kane, CAPS, C.D.S. shares insights from her training and experience as well as by interviewing experts on creating an environment that supports independent living as we age.
Each episode will discuss key topics like fall prevention, home modifications, tech products for older adults as well as adaptive equipment, resources and information for caregivers of seniors and much, much more.
Tune in weekly for practical advice to help you or your loved ones thrive while aging in place.
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Let's all work together to make the home as safe as possible so that as we grow older we can live in them as long as possible.
Aging In Place Directory
#52 - How to Modify Your Garden for Senior-Friendly Outdoor Enjoyment
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We explore transforming gardens into senior-friendly sanctuaries through thoughtful design and features that enhance safety, comfort, and joy for aging gardeners. Our comprehensive guide covers practical modifications that make gardening accessible and pleasurable at any age.
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Hello and welcome to the Aging in Place Directory podcast, where we explore ideas to help you live comfortably, safely and joyfully in your own home for years to come. I'm your host, robin Schiltz, and today we're stepping outside literally. We'll be digging into a vibrant topic how to modify your garden for senior-friendly outdoor enjoyment. Whether you're an avid gardener, approaching your golden years assisting a loved one, or simply dreaming of flower-filled afternoons without backaches and hazards, we've got creative tips and expert insights to transform your green space into a safe, soothing and accessible sanctuary. So grab your sun hat and settle in. There's no dirt under your nails required for this journey.
Speaker 1:Chapter one the joy and benefits of gardening for seniors. Let's start with the obvious Gardening is good for the soul and the body. Hands in the soil, sun on your face and the gentle rustle of leaves all combine into a natural well-being booster. Numerous studies have shown that gardening lowers blood pressure, improves mood and keeps you moving. Plus, there's the literal fruits or vegetables of your labor. But let's face it gardens that once felt like a joyful retreat can present unique challenges. As we age, kneeling bending and navigating uneven ground can become tricky. The good news With thoughtful modifications, anyone can continue enjoying their outdoor haven safely and comfortably.
Speaker 1:The foundation of any senior-friendly garden is accessibility. So in this chapter two, we're going to rethink the garden layout. So picture this wide, stable pathways that let you stroll at your leisure a cozy bench calling your name under a shady tree and raised beds filled with your favorite blooms all within arm's reach. Let's talk about paths first. Experts recommend pathways at least three feet wide for single access and four to five feet wide for wheelchairs, walkers or strolling side by side. Materials matter. Choose firm, non-slip surfaces like textured pavers or poured concrete. Skip the loose gravel. No one wants a rolling stone underfoot, and if you need to conquer slopes, always favor gentle grades over steps. Add handrails wherever the terrain changes, especially on steps or slopes. They should be securely anchored at 34 to 38 inches high for all solid supports. And don't forget lighting. Installing low voltage lights along pathways and anywhere there's a change in elevation ensures evening strolls are safe and welcome.
Speaker 1:Chapter three is raise your garden beds. Bending is for tulips, not for backs. Instead of kneeling, bring the plants up to you. Raised garden beds and tall containers, let you nurture your plants from a comfortable stand or seat. Aim for beds that are 24 to 36 inches high, which is tabletop height for most people. This change alone can make gardening a joy again. For wide raised beds, consider a u-shaped layout with generous entrances. It's easy to access the entire area and you can even add built-in benches for a relaxing mid-garden break. Don't have a lot of horizontal space Go vertical. Don't have a lot of horizontal space Go vertical. Wall planters, hanging baskets and trellised climbers not only brighten your view, but also free your joints from awkward stretching and stooping. Keyhole raised bed designs are also brilliant for accessibility. Picture a donut-shaped bed with a bite taken out so you can easily reach the center.
Speaker 1:Chapter four is about seating. Even the most energetic gardener needs a rest, and in a senior-friendly space, strategically placed seating is a necessity rather than a luxury. Pick benches or chairs with comfortable heights from 18 to 22 inches off the ground. They should also have good back support and sturdy armrests for extra stability. Place these inviting seats along main paths and at entrances, under shade trees or pergolas and next to garden zones needing maintenance. Choose materials that withstand weather and don't become slippery when wet. Add cushions for a touch of softness and joint relief. Think of these spots as your garden's charging stations a place to rest and recharge and simply enjoy the beauty around you.
Speaker 1:Chapter five is smart plant choices. A senior friendly garden is as much what you plant. It's about what you plant, excuse me, as how you plant it. So you want to swap fussy, high maintenance varieties for perennials, ornamental grasses and hardy shrubs that practically care for themselves. That way, there's no constant pruning, clipping and replanting required. Not sure what to choose? Look for native plants adapted to your local climate. They're more drought tolerant, attract pollinators and require less fussing. If you love edibles, plant your veggies, herbs or strawberries in raised beds, or opt for dwarf or espaliered fruit trees that keep harvests within easy reach so that there's no ladder required.
Speaker 1:As far as lawns, you might want to rethink it or maybe replace it. Traditional lawns can be a headache, with endless mowing and chemicals. Consider low-growing ground covers or lawn alternatives that minimize upkeep and let you retire your mower, or at least use it much less often. Upkeep and let you retire your mower, or at least use it much less often. And then, talking about grouping and zoning zones are your friend. Concentrate high care plants near the house or your favorite views. Place easy care zones further out. This way, you maximize your enjoyment without stretching your limits, either physically or time-wise.
Speaker 1:Chapter six is about ergonomic tools. Your garden tool kit should age as gracefully as you do. Lightweight, ergonomic tools with long handles and soft grips minimize strain and extend your reach. These tools let you dig and weed and prune comfortably, whether standing or seated. Consider adding rolling garden stools or kneelers with handles for extra leverage. And consider also adding drip irrigation systems or hoses with easy grip nozzles to lessen heavy lifting and awkward watering routines. And then mulch, think about that. It keeps the soil moist, blocks weeds and reduces the need to bend over or haul a watering can. There's also automatic watering timers. Let technology do the heavy lifting while you enjoy the shade.
Speaker 1:Speaking of shade, chapter seven is about shade and shelter. Older adults are more susceptible to dehydration and heat exhaustion, so shade is a key ingredient for outdoor enjoyment. Plant shade trees, install pergolas or use large umbrellas over benches and main gardening zones. Don't overlook access to water. Keep an outdoor tap within easy reach for quick drinks or cooling off. If you want a garden delight, consider installing a bird bath or a small fountain Visual and audible joys that attract nature's visitors and invite you to linger.
Speaker 1:Chapter eight is about garden safety, hidden hazards and easy fixes. Our beautiful retreats sometimes hide risks. Here's how to patrol your patch for safety. First, tidy the tools. Ensure that hoses, pots, rakes and pruners have assigned spots so there's no more tripping hazards. And then you want to eliminate uneven surfaces, level up any sunken pavers or rocky steps that could trip you up Drainage matters. So tackle standing water or slick spots, either using plant-based fixes or improved grading, which can chase away both mosquitoes and icy patches. And then you want to audit for changes in the levels. Even a minor drop-off should have railings or visible markings to prevent falls. And remember to light the way at dusk. Pathway lighting, especially at steps or slopes, adds ambiance and peace of mind.
Speaker 1:Chapter 9 is to enlist help. Nobody said you have to do this all alone. Consider hiring help for the heavy jobs like spring cleanups, fall mulch or pruning large trees. If you love doing the light work, and planning a helping hand a couple times a year can keep things in top shape without overwhelming. You Make lists of priority tasks and communicate them clearly. That way every visit yields results you care about. Or, if you're blessed with willing family or friendly neighbors, make garden time a social activity. Shared weeding, planting and harvest days are as good for the spirit as the soil.
Speaker 1:Chapter 10 is the magic of enjoyment. Celebrate your garden, don't stress. Remember that a senior-friendly garden is about embracing the pleasure of nature, not just the to-do list. Give yourself permission to pause and savor, whether appreciating blooming flowers from a favorite seat, listening to birdsong or celebrating a basket of homegrown tomatoes. Gardening at its heart is about nurturing not only what you grow, but also your sense of peace. Peace, purpose and connection to the natural world. Like wind chimes and colorful banners. Install raised beds shaped like butterflies, curves or spirals. Place bird feeders where you can watch the feathered traffic and set up a small table for alfresco coffee, journaling or chatting with a friend. These don't just decorate the garden, they make every visit memorable and restorative.
Speaker 1:Chapter 12 is a recap of what we've been talking about, so summing up the must haves for an age in place garden oasis. We have wide non-slip pathways and thoughtful handrails, plenty of comfortable shaded seating throughout, raised beds and vertical gardens for easy access, low maintenance, native plants and lawn alternatives, automatic watering, proper lighting and clear stool storage and community support to ease the load. Modify gradually or go for a head to toe makeover. Either way, every tweak brings you closer to a garden that welcomes and delights for years to come. So that wraps up our episode on modifying your garden for senior friendly outdoor enjoyment. Thanks for joining me today and for your commitment to living life in full bloom at either age, any age. If you've enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and share the episode, and thank you very much for tuning in. Until the next time, take care, happy gardening. Bye.
