Gardening is more than just a seasonal hobby—it’s an opportunity to nurture your mind and body while enjoying the height of the season. Late May is a wonderful time to immerse yourself in the joys of gardening and experience its beauty, productivity, and significant cognitive benefits. Whether you’re tending to your plants, designing vibrant flowerbeds, or enjoying the fruits of your labor, gardening provides endless ways to boost brain health and well-being.

Planting Seeds of Cognitive Health Gardening engages your brain in decision-making and problem-solving. Whether it’s choosing which plants to grow, determining where to plant them, or deciding how to protect them from pests, weather, or disease, these decisions improve problem-solving abilities and working memory. The act of planning and maintaining a garden enhances critical thinking, keeps the mind active, and supports mental sharpness.

Benefits Beyond the Soil Gardening offers a sensory experience that promotes mindfulness. The sensation of soil between your fingers, the visual beauty of blooming plants, and the satisfaction of watching growth unfold help to ease feelings of anxiety and depression. Spending time in nature is known to improve mood and encourage present-focused thinking, which can alleviate stress and provide emotional balance.

The Physical Connection to Brain Health The physical activities involved in gardening—bending, stretching, digging, planting, and watering—go hand in hand with cognitive benefits. These movements stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals, improving focus, memory, and overall mental sharpness. This combination of physical and mental engagement helps to strengthen the connection between the brain and body.

Neuroplasticity in Action Gardening enhances neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and form new connections. Each step—from trying new techniques to experimenting with unfamiliar plants—stimulates learning and promotes resilience in brain function. For older adults, this adaptability is especially important for maintaining cognitive health.

Embrace the Brain-Boosting Benefits of Gardening As you enjoy the gardening season, consider how it can enrich both your life and your mind. By incorporating simple yet engaging activities into your routine, you’re not just creating a beautiful space, but also strengthening your cognitive health. Whether it’s the joy of nurturing your favorite flowers or the challenge of growing your own vegetables, gardening offers something for everyone. The rewards are not only seen in the blooms and harvests, but also in the way it nurtures and sharpens your mind. Keep planting, and watch both your garden and brain thrive this season.

Fabiana Cheistwer
Wellness Director

When your loved one is living with dementia, caring for them can be a full-time job. This entails spending countless hours worrying about your loved one’s safety, ability to engage, overall wellbeing and happiness, and how to access the very best support for their needs.

When the time is right, finding the best memory support community for your loved one is crucial for their wellbeing and for your peace of mind.  Safety is of the highest importance so finding a memory support neighborhood that is fully secure, while allowing residents the freedom to move around, enjoy the outdoors, and make choices, is ideal.

Another consideration is finding a community with staff that is specially trained to provide social and therapeutic group programs to enhance life for individuals with cognitive impairment. Residents should be offered engaging, purposeful activities and be encouraged to embrace these opportunities with enthusiasm. The environment should be designed to alleviate anxiety and help residents feel empowered in their own space. When caring for someone living with dementia, it is valuable to provide them with opportunities to become involved in activities that are engaging and interesting to them.  Art and music programs are very popular and appealing, and art and music therapy are key components of memory support programs.

The physical environment should also be evaluated carefully when choosing a memory support community. The environment should be designed to alleviate anxiety and help residents feel empowered in their own space. Private rooms, which can be decorated with touches from home, with private baths are recommended to allow residents to feel secure. Outdoor access is another serious consideration. Experiencing the outdoors can be very stimulating and lead to positive emotions in everyone, especially those living with dementia.

There are over 100 different diseases that have dementia as a symptom — and those conditions lead to physical symptoms.  It is wise to consider ordering a therapy assessment when a loved one living with dementia moves into a new environment. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy work together to make the transition as safe as possible. Additionally, those living with dementia should be assessed regularly for different therapy modalities to help them retain their physical abilities for as long as possible.

Finding the right fit for your loved one in a memory support community is an important process.  Touring communities and finding a good fit should occur before a situation that may lead to a quick decision. Having your loved one on a list and knowing where the right place is before you need it can offer you peace as you look toward the future.