Benefits of Gardening

By Loretta Baxter

     Gardening provides many joys for people of all ages from children to seniors. It does not seem to matter whether one is planting flowers or vegetables. There seems to be something spiritual about digging in the dirt that makes a person forget about their troubles.  AARP in an article in 2017 found that working in a garden can provide a lot of sensory stimulation and reducing the progression of dementia.  It also strengthens your bones because you are outside in the sun and your body absorbs Vitamin D, which fills you with calcium, a nutrient essential for building strong bones.  (https://www.aarp.org/health/health-living/info-2017/).  St. Monica’s has both raised flower beds and vegetable gardens for community members to participate in planting and keeping them weed free throughout the summer.  Stay tuned for more information from Life Engagement for planting opportunities.