Having houseplants in the home is a smart move that carries a number of health benefits for seniors.
Allergy Relief
Plants act as natural filters that catch allergens in the air – just avoid plants with pollen or spores.
Improve Mood
Research shows that the presence of indoor plants and flowers makes people worry less and feel better in general.
Humidify the Room
Air conditioners and heaters dry out the air, which can contribute to catching colds and flus as well as dry, itchy skin. Some houseplants, like the easy-going spider plant, have been shown to replenish healthy humidity indoors.
Purify the Air
Volatile organic compounds – particles from carpets, paint, cleaning products and other objects commonly found inside – can irritate the eyes, skin, and lungs. Houseplants soak up these compounds, leaving the air cleaner. English ivy and asparagus fern are some of the best plants for this purpose.
Tummy-Calming Herbs
Mint is known for its ability to relieve gas, bloating and indigestion, and can easily be grown indoors. Basil is another easy indoor plant with tummy-calming properties. Steep them into tea, use them in cooking or eat them right off the plant if you prefer!
Promote Sleep and Relaxation
Lavender is a beautiful flower that is well known for its ability to promote relaxation and enhance sleep. Gerbera daisies are prized for their ability to give off oxygen at night, which may help you sleep more soundly if placed at the bedside.
First Aid
Aloe vera is known to promote skin healing. Sunburns, psoriasis, minor cuts, and burns can improve dramatically with a touch of aloe’s healing gel.
Stress Relief
Studies have shown that the presence of houseplants evokes feelings of calmness, reduces the stress hormone cortisol, and lowers blood pressure and heart rate for individuals taking on a tough or stressful task.
Improves Concentration and Focus
There is evidence that when houseplants are in the room, people perform better on cognitive tests, show improved concentration and better memory.
Speed Healing and Reduce Pain
People healing from surgery fared better and complained of less pain when they had plants in their hospital room, or they could see plants out of a window, compared to patients without exposure to plants.
Improve Mental and Emotional Health
Taking care of plants has been shown to have a dramatic impact on the mental and emotional health of seniors. Horticultural therapy has been used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
Elder Care: Taking Care of Plants to Take Care of the Elderly
While taking care of plants – or being in their presence – has been shown to benefit the health and wellbeing of seniors in countless ways, many people believe that taking care of houseplants is too much for them to handle. They may face difficulties with mobility, health, or memory that make plant care challenging or overwhelming. However, these are the people who arguably stand to benefit the most from houseplants around them! Some savvy seniors have discovered that they can use elder care services for houseplant care!
For example, by scheduling an elder care aide to come in and check on the house plants each week – or better yet, assist the senior to care for the plants – seniors can enjoy the rich benefits of houseplants, as well as the pleasure of the elder care aide’s companionship during this time.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Elderly Care in Los Osos, CA, please contact the friendly staff at San Luis Obispo Caregivers.
Call today: (805) 748-2614
Sources
https://www.webmd.com/