Safety Tips for Senior Gardeners

It’s almost that time of the year again. April showers will come and go bringing in May’s flowers. But if you’re a senior gardener and this is your favorite time of year, there are a few tips and tricks to stay safe in your garden.

Become reacquainted with the lay of the land before you begin.

Before you get started, take a moment to inspect your yard. Winter can take its toll on anyone’s yard, so make sure that there aren’t any new roots, rocks or unleveled areas that turn up in your yard. Basically, look for anything that can trip you up and cause a fall. Don’t be afraid to ask a friend or loved one either. Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes can catch the things we miss.

Avoid pressure on your knees and lower back.

The quick and easy fix is to use things like stools, chairs, or a bench to prevent bending or squatting for long periods of time. If that doesn’t suit you, you may want to look into using a trellis or a raised flower bed. This allows you to enjoy gardening but in a more vertical position. Your knees and back will thank you for it.

You can beat the heat with planning, rest and plenty of ice cold drinks.

The heat can be harmful to any of us, but especially our kids and seniors. That’s why you should avoid gardening during the hottest part of the day, usually between 12 pm and 4:30 pm. Be sure to pace yourself. You don’t have to do everything in a day. Hydration is also key while gardening. Whether it’s lemonade, your famous iced tea or just ice cold water, make sure you drink plenty of it. We recommend taking a moment to cool off and rehydrate every 20-25 minutes.

Make sure you’re using functional tools.

When you’re out purchasing your gardening tools, stick with ones that are on the longer side. Longer tools give you better leverage and less need to bend over and risk injury. Grip is also an important feature and studies show that curved handles typically provide the best grip and most comfort. The right pair of gloves can be a huge help as well.

Stay connected

Having a way to call for help in case of an emergency is crucial. If you have a medical alert button, don’t forget to wear it. Although not as effective, a cordless or mobile phone could also do the trick.

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