“Food insecurities grew in Massachusetts by 55% during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now with inflation rising, it will only get worse. With the help of the Franklin Food Pantry, many people who otherwise would struggle are able to find their next healthy meal.” –Carol PATIENT of the MONTH Carol Graham Franklin Food Pantry
4 Benefits of Gardening for Seniors IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO GROW A GREEN THUMB!
Staying mentally and physically healthy doesn’t mean you have to attend a fancy gym or hire a lifestyle coach. You can enhance your overall health in your own backyard by starting a garden. It can offer a wide range of health benefits, and here are just a few. Gardening reduces stress and increases relaxation. Life can feel overwhelming. Many family, financial, or medical issues arise with age, and falling into a downward spiral is easy. Your first line of defense against stress can be your garden! Spending time outdoors has been proven to help older adults feel less stressed by promoting relaxation and lowering elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Gardens offer a place of quiet reprieve where you can take time to reflect on the past and plan for the future. Exercising never felt so green. Finding ways to stay active can be difficult, especially if mobility is an issue. Gardening can be a great way to keep active without the complications of rigorous activity. Simply moving plants around, creating holes for seeds, cultivating soil, or watering the garden are all great ways to maintain or improve strength. Eating healthy food contributes to a healthy lifestyle. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is enhanced by what you eat. By devoting time to a garden, you can reap the health benefits of the delicious fruit and vegetables you grow there. Winter is quickly approaching, so consider which healthy crops to plant this time of year. Root vegetables like carrots, onions, garlic, and turnips are great options to start growing during November. These hearty vegetables are also excellent sources of fiber and essential nutrients. If you’re unsure where to start in your garden this season, you can refer to the 2022 Planting Guide in the almanac at Almanac.com/ gardening/planting-calendar. All it takes to start a garden is a seed, so plant a new, healthy lifestyle and watch it grow!
Carol came to physical therapy for her first number of visits in a wheelchair after surgery due to a broken bone. When she spoke about her activities and exercise that she wanted to return to, we knew she had a long way to go to achieve her goals. Four and a half months (and a lot of sweat and a few tears!) later, she has achieved those goals! In recognition of all of her hard work and dedication to her physical therapy and her home exercise program, Carol is our Patient of the Month!
2 www.proptinc.com • 508-528-6100
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