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It is well known that gardening is a wonderful activity because it is full of benefits, and many older people do it every day. But despite the pleasure of seeing your garden shine and harvesting countless fruits and vegetables in the garden, discouragement can set in very quickly. Handling certain tools, awkward positions, and incessant movements are the source of many ailments among older people. Let’s find out how to garden without pain thanks to a practical material and some tips to adopt on a daily basis.
Choosing the right tools to take care of your garden without pain
Gardening can become a test for the body if you buy tools and materials in a hurry. On the contrary, it is important to consider the following selection criteria:
- Lightness
- Maneuverability
- Practic sense
- Comfort
- Ergonomics
The length of the handle of a pick, shovel or rake, for example, is a detail that matters a lot. The longer it is, the less you will get tired. A handle should be long enough for the gardener or gardener to take a comfortable position, without having to dig or rake while bending because the back must remain straight.
The cushion and kneeler are part of the senior gardener’s kit, because in the garden, the tasks that require kneeling on the ground are extremely numerous… and it hurts!
In addition to offering these lightweight and ultra-functional tools, it is also necessary to favor pots with wheels , especially those with a large capacity, because they are easier to move than those to carry with the arm extended. Containers not equipped? Never mind. Find trays equipped with small wheels in which you just have to put your pots, and that’s it.
Finally, it is strongly recommended to turn to smart tools and accessories such as:
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- The tool lever, specially designed for effortless gardening: they don’t like them if we try to limit the risk of tendonitis. We find in this broad category:
- The root extractor, toggle switch for scarifier and mower.
- The pliers bindingto hold with one hand plants to supports such as cuttings and other trellises.
- The handheld herbicidefor removing weeds without having to bend over. All you have to do is press the lever on top of a long handle and the claw is activated. Something efficient and magical.
- The reversible garden stoolthat also doubles as a knee support . In a subtle way, it offers two positions, high and low, and has side uprights that serve as support for the elderly, appreciating of course being able to stand easily.
- The waistband basketis a brilliant thing, especially when it’s time to pick up some raspberries for dessert or remove the wilted flowers from the rose bushes. No need to bend over or waste time collecting plant debris! It is also perfect for harvesting apples without constantly having to climb to be able to gently place the fruit in a box placed on the ground. You can also use this belt basket to carry some hand tools. Equipped with a clip, it attaches to the belt or trouser pocket and allows you to have both hands free.
- The gardening apron, an indisputable ally for seniors who love gardening. With its many pockets, you have all the small gear you need close at hand. We cannot do without this great gardening accessory.
Large garden stores and specialty garden equipment stores offer countless products especially intended for seniors who want to save without giving up their passion.
The correct gestures and positions for gardening without hurting yourself
In many cases, the pain that older people feel after a gardening session is due to poor posture. It is often the lower back, shoulders and knees that suffer the most. However, you may not feel pain even if you are an older person if you take the following precautions.
- Stretch before gardening.
- Warm up so as not to tighten the cold muscles by making movements without forcing, an unstoppable technique to avoid stiffness the next day.
- Soften your knees, joints that become very vulnerable and sensitive over time.
- Protect your back by keeping it straight and using your thighs when carrying a weight, lifting a tool, or moving pots. Remember to always bend your knees to perform these efforts without risk of low back pain or neck pain. Also, avoid arching your back to harvest lots of fruits and vegetables at ground level. It is highly preferable to put one knee on the ground and keep the other leg bent.
- Use two half-showers instead of a full one and carry them together (one in each hand) to balance the load and be well distributed. Therefore, the back always remains straight and the shoulders less tense.
- Avoid not straining your tendons excessively. Gardening requires repetitive gestures, especially when pruning shrubs or roses with pruning shears or scissors. It is better to dedicate two or three short sessions to these tasks rather than one that continues and never ends.
- Oxygenate your muscles thinking about your breathing, which should be deep and regular. The worst thing is being apnea when you give it a physical effort!
- Change positions frequently to limit the risk of ankylosis and protect your joints, especially when you have to squat to manually weed, for example, or if you have to keep your arms raised for a long time.
- Sit down to perform as many tasks as you can instead of standing or squatting.
It is essential to always listen to your body and stop at the slightest warning such as shortness of breath, back pain, in one knee, in the forearm or in the shoulders. No sign should be overlooked. But it is more prudent to consult your doctor when these manifestations persist.
