Garden centres and farm shops can be a great place for people of all ages to enjoy, but they can have specific benefits for the elderly and those with dementia or living alone.
Walking around a garden centre is a great way to get some exercise. Garden Centres offer a non-strenuous and safe environment to walk at your own pace – and the fresh air and sunshine are also beneficial for both your physical and mental health.
Meeting new people and spending time in the company of others can help to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. Garden centres are often busy places with those who visit sharing similar interests so there are plenty of opportunities to connect with others.
Learning about plants and gardening can help to keep your mind active. There are often educational displays or events at garden centres which can provide opportunities to learn new things.
Spending time in nature and surrounded by greenery has been proven to reduce stress levels. The calming atmosphere of a garden centre can be a great way to relax and gardening can be a very mindful way of spending time at home.
Gardening is a therapeutic activity that can help to improve mood and wellbeing. The sense of accomplishment that comes from growing plants can be very rewarding.
For those living with dementia, a visit to a garden centre can bring additional benefits:
Gardening is an activity that can help to improve cognitive brain function by requiring people to focus and problem-solve.
Growing and nurturing plants can give people a sense of purpose and accomplishment. This can be particularly beneficial for people living with dementia as it can help to boost self-esteem and motivation and encourage a nurturing routine.
Want to visit a garden centre or farm shop to discover the benefits – take a look at our list below of local places to visit in Wrexham and Flintshire.