Mark Howarth Scottish Daily Mail 23 June 2024 17:29, updated 23 June 2024 17:59
People who do gardening have better cognitive performance as pensioners than those who don't
It's a hobby that involves encouraging growth and keeping decades-old shrubs in tip-top health.
A new study finds that gardening can help maintain brain health in later life.
A groundbreaking study by psychologists from the University of Edinburgh followed hundreds of Scots people and their lifestyles for almost a century.
We also know that regardless of wealth or education, spending time gardening may protect you against the modern curse of dementia into your 80s.
The study, published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, concludes that “although little research has been done, the mentally stimulating properties of gardening may contribute to maintaining brain reserve in older age.”
New academic research shows the benefits of digging, weeding, planting and other gardening activities.
“These results identify a promising new area of ​​research for understanding lifestyle factors that may promote cognitive aging.”
Alzheimer's Scotland described the findings as “encouraging”.
Gillian Council, the charity's head of brain health and innovation, said: “Many people are unaware of the wide range of benefits gardening can bring.”
“Research has shown that digging, planting and weeding can improve hand strength and boost brain health.”
“Growing your own food helps you eat healthier, which is another important factor.”
“And because staying connected with others is good for brain health, community blocks are great for socializing, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.”
The researchers collected their data as part of a longitudinal study of brain function called the Lothian Birth Cohort.
Children born in Edinburgh and surrounding areas in 1921 were given an intelligence test at the age of 11 measuring their reasoning and arithmetic skills.
Hundreds of them were followed up later at the turn of the century, taking the exact same quiz at age 79.
They also reported details about their lifestyles and had frequent assessments of their brain health up until the age of 90.
Of the 467 people surveyed, around 30% had never gardened in their life, but 44% continued to garden regularly in retirement.
The results showed a clear division.
On average, the 280 people who gardened frequently or occasionally had better cognitive abilities as pensioners than they did when they were 11 years old.
But the 187 people who never worked in their gardens or who rarely worked in their gardens had lower test scores than they did as children.
Dementia is a condition in which the brain irreversibly deteriorates, causing difficulties with memory, concentration and problem-solving.
Around 100,000 people in Scotland are currently infected with the disease, accounting for 13% of all deaths.
While an unhealthy lifestyle increases the risk of developing the disease, keeping the brain active and getting enough sleep is thought to help prevent the disease.
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“The relationship between gardening and healthy cognitive ageing has been largely overlooked until now,” said Dr Janie Corey, lead author of the study.
She adds: “Participating in gardening projects, learning about plants, and generally caring for a garden require complex cognitive processes, including memory and executive function.”
“Consistent with the 'use it or lose it' paradigm of cognition, increased gardening engagement may be associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline.”
Denis Barrett, 76, spends around 30 hours a week on his plot in the Budhill and Springboig Allotments in Glasgow's east end.
“I'm out in the fresh air after a stressful job,” said the retired auto parts sales executive. “I feel more relaxed. I'm sleeping better, eating better and feeling great.”
“But I can see why gardening keeps your brain active. You make plans and then bring those plans home with you. I've already planted seeds for next year.”
“And every day I learn something new.”
He added: “Nothing beats the taste of something straight from the tree or straight from the ground. It tastes like food from the old days.”
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