* Individuals who engage in gardening demonstrate higher cognitive abilities in their later years compared to those who do not participate in this hobby.
* Gardening involves nurturing plant growth and maintaining the health of shrubs that have been growing for decades.
* A recent study has revealed that gardening can play a significant role in maintaining brain health as individuals age. Groundbreaking research conducted by psychologists at the University of Edinburgh followed hundreds of Scottish individuals and their lifestyles over nearly a century.
Research has shown that gardening can potentially reduce the risk of developing dementia up to the age of 80, regardless of one’s socioeconomic status or level of education.
The paper published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology suggests that the mentally stimulating aspects of gardening, which have been largely overlooked, could play a significant role in building brain reserve as individuals age.
“These results highlight a promising new avenue for exploring the lifestyle factors that may contribute to successful cognitive aging.
Alzheimer Scotland has described the findings as ‘encouraging.’
Gillian Councill, the charity’s executive lead on brain health and innovation, emphasized the wide range of benefits that gardening can provide.
She explained, ‘Many people underestimate the positive impact that gardening can have. Activities such as digging, planting, and weeding can improve hand strength, which research suggests can enhance brain health.
Additionally, growing your food can lead to a healthier diet, which is crucial for cognitive function.
Furthermore, staying socially connected is essential for brain health, and community allotments offer a wonderful opportunity to socialize, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.’ Overall, these findings suggest that engaging in gardening activities and participating in community allotments may play a significant role in promoting cognitive health as we age.”
The research team conducted a comprehensive study known as the Lothian Birth Cohorts, which focused on analyzing brain function over an extended period.
The study involved individuals who were born in and around Edinburgh in 1921, who took an intelligence test at the age of eleven to assess their reasoning and arithmetic skills.
Years later, at the turn of the century, hundreds of these individuals were located and asked to retake the same intelligence test at the age of 79. They also provided information about their lifestyles and underwent regular assessments of their brain health until the age of 90.
Out of the 467 participants, nearly 30 percent had never engaged in gardening, while 44 percent continued to garden regularly, even in their old age. The results of the study revealed a significant difference in cognitive ability among the participants.
Interestingly, those who frequently or occasionally gardened, totaling 280 individuals, exhibited better cognitive function in their later years compared to when they were eleven years old. This suggests a potential link between gardening and improved cognitive abilities in old age.
However, the 187 individuals who had little to no experience with gardening typically scored lower on tests compared to their childhood scores.
Dementia is a condition in which the brain irreversibly deteriorates, leading to difficulties in memory retention, concentration, and problem-solving.
Currently, nearly 100,000 Scots are affected by dementia, accounting for 13% of all deaths. Unhealthy lifestyles can increase the risk of developing the disease, but engaging in mentally stimulating activities and ensuring adequate sleep are believed to help prevent its onset.
Dr. Janie Corley, the lead author of the study, emphasized that the connection between gardening and healthy cognitive aging has been largely overlooked in previous research.
She explained, “Participating in gardening activities, gaining knowledge about plants, and maintaining a garden all require complex cognitive processes such as memory and executive function.”
Corley further noted, “In line with the ‘use it or lose it’ principle of cognitive function, increased involvement in gardening may be directly linked to a reduced risk of cognitive decline.”
One example of someone who benefits from gardening is Denis Barrett, a 76-year-old man who dedicates approximately 30 hours per week to tending his plot at the Budhill & Springboig Allotments in the east end of Glasgow.
The retired car part sales executive said, “After a demanding career, I now find solace in the outdoors. I feel rejuvenated; I can sleep better, and eat healthier, and overall, I feel fantastic.
I have come to realize that gardening not only provides relaxation but also keeps the mind sharp. It requires careful planning and dedication, which I find fulfilling. I have already started planting seeds for next year, always looking forward to learning something new each day.
The satisfaction of tasting freshly picked produce is incomparable. It reminds me of how food used to taste in the past.”