A new study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology suggests that gardening may help reduce the risk of dementia and improve cognitive function in older adults.
Researchers found that people who gardened regularly showed better mental acuity as they aged, with cognitive benefits lasting into their 90s.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland analyzed data from the “Lothian Birth Cohort 1921,” a long-term study that followed individuals born in the Edinburgh area, starting at age 11.
Participants shared information about their lifestyles and underwent periodic cognitive assessments until age 90.
The study found that individuals who gardened regularly demonstrated “small but detectable cognitive benefits” compared to those who rarely or never engaged in the activity.
The results of the study, which included 467 participants, revealed that 43% of individuals gardened frequently or occasionally. Among them, 280 participants showed “greater lifetime improvement in cognitive ability compared with those who never gardened or rarely did so.”
The researchers noted that while cognitive function generally declined between the ages of 79 and 90, the early cognitive advantage observed in gardeners persisted, suggesting that gardening may help preserve mental functions such as memory, problem-solving, and word fluency.
Dr. Janie Corley, a study co-author, highlighted the significance of identifying activities that promote healthy cognitive aging.
“Gardening is a key leisure activity in late adulthood,” Dr. Corley explained in a press release. She added that engaging in gardening involves complex cognitive processes, such as memory and executive function, making it an ideal way for seniors to keep their minds active.
“Consistent with the ‘use it or lose it’ framework of cognitive function, more engagement in gardening may be directly associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline,” Dr. Corley continued.
The study, however, did not establish a direct causal relationship between gardening and improved cognitive function, noting that other factors, such as access to green spaces and social interactions, may have influenced the results.
Dr. Azza Halim, MD, an anti-aging specialist, also weighed in on the findings, noting that gardening has been studied as an anti-aging activity for seniors, providing not only cognitive benefits but also physical and emotional advantages.
“Gardening is a low-impact exercise that supports cardiac health and circulation,” Dr. Halim stated. “It provides mental stimulation to reduce cognitive decline, as well as fostering mental and emotional well-being, relaxation, and decreased anxiety.”
The study adds to existing research suggesting that staying physically and mentally active in older age can help prevent cognitive decline.
Dr. Corley noted that finding activities that support healthy cognitive aging is crucial for preventing dementia.
While gardening has shown positive effects on cognitive health, the researchers caution that more studies are needed to determine if gardening itself is the main factor or if other elements, like social interactions or access to green spaces, play a role.