Safe Summer Gardening: Essential Tips for Active Seniors

For many seniors, the arrival of summer means getting back into the garden. It’s much more than just a hobby: it’s a great way to stay active, enjoy the outdoors, and find a sense of fulfillment. Tending to flowers, growing vegetables, and spending time in the yard brings a tremendous sense of well-being.

However, gardening in the summer sun requires a few adjustments to ensure that it remains enjoyable without compromising your safety or comfort.

Here are a few practical tips that are easy to incorporate into your routine so you can garden with peace of mind this summer.

1. Beat the heat and the sun

The summer sun can be deceiving, especially when you’re busy tending to your flower beds.

• Choose the right time of day: Avoid gardening between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun is at its strongest and the heat is at its peak. Instead, take advantage of the cooler temperatures in the early morning or late afternoon.
• Stay hydrated at all times: Always keep a bottle of cold water within reach. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink, because thirst is already an early sign of dehydration.
• Protect yourself: A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and broad-spectrum sunscreen are your best defenses against heatstroke and sunburn.

2. Arrange the space to prevent tripping

A garden’s ground is inherently treacherous: slippery grass, hidden roots, uneven soil, or tools left lying around can easily cause you to lose your balance.

• Keep walkways clear: Get into the habit of putting away garden hoses, rakes, and buckets immediately after use to keep walkways completely clear.
• Adjust your posture: Use a small gardening stool on wheels or a foam cushion to kneel on. This reduces strain on your knees and back, and provides a much more stable position.
• Wear closed-toe shoes: Even if it’s hot, avoid loose-fitting sandals or flip-flops. Closed-toe shoes with non-slip soles provide much better support on uneven surfaces.

3. Take your safety net outside

Independence also means having the confidence to pursue your passions without limitations. Many people think that a medical alert system only works inside the home, confined to the living room. That’s a misconception!

• For home packages: Even our standard residential systems are designed to work outdoors. The portable emergency button has a range of up to 1,000 feet from the central console. That’s more than enough to mow the lawn, tend to your flower beds, or relax on the patio.
• How to test your range: If you want to be absolutely sure of the limits of your coverage in your yard, try this simple test. Walk to different spots in your yard and press the button. When our monitoring center calls you on your phone to check in, just mention that it’s a “yard range test.” It’s a great way to find out your exact coverage area!
• For Mobility Plans: If you like to venture further afield (such as taking a walk around the neighborhood or picking up potting soil at the garden center), our mobile systems use cellular technology and a built-in GPS system to keep you safe wherever you go, with no distance limits.

Gardening is a wonderful way to stay healthy and maintain your independence. By following these simple tips, you can be sure to enjoy your yard to the fullest, knowing that you have a reliable backup plan ready at a moment’s notice.