It is well known, gardening is a wonderful activity because it is full of benefits, and many seniors indulge in it every day. But despite the pleasure of seeing their pleasure garden shine and harvesting countless fruits and vegetables in the orchard and vegetable garden, discouragement can very quickly set in. The handling of certain tools, awkward positions and incessant movement are the cause of many ailments among our elders. Let's find out how to garden without pain thanks to practical equipment and a few tips to adopt on a daily basis.
The right choice of tools for gardening without pain
Gardening can become an ordeal for the body if you buy your tools and equipment in a rush. On the contrary, it is important to consider the following selection criteria:
- Lightness,
- Maneuverability,
- Practicality,
- Comfort,
- Ergonomics.
The handle length a pickaxe, a spade or a rake for example, is a detail that counts a lot. The longer it is, the less we get tired. A handle must be long enough for the gardener to adopt a comfortable position, not having to dig or rake while bending over because the back must remain straight.
The cushion and the kneeler are part of the senior gardener's panoply, because in the garden, the tasks that require kneeling on the ground are extremely numerous... and it hurts!
In addition to affording these lightweight and ultra-functional tools, it is also necessary to favor flower pots on wheels , especially those of large capacity, because they are easier to move than those to be carried at arm's length. The bins are not equipped? Never mind. We treat ourselves to trays equipped with small wheels on which you just have to put your pots, and that's it.
Finally, it is highly recommended to turn to clever tools and accessories such as:
- Thepry tools , specially designed for effortless gardening:they have no equal if you want to limit the risk of tendonitis. We find in this broad category:
- The Root Puller , lever switch for scarifier, mower and others,
- The tying pliers to attach plants to supports such as stakes and other trellises with one hand,
- The manual weeder which has no equal in dislodging weeds without the gardener needing to bend down. Just operate the lever located at the top of a long handle and the claw comes into action. Effective and magical.
- The reversible garden stool which also acts as a kneerest . Subtle, it offers two positions, high and low, and has side uprights that serve as supports for the elderly person who of course appreciates being able to get up easily.
- The basket to wear at the waist proves to be very clever, especially when the time has come to pick a few raspberries for dessert or to remove faded flowers from stem roses. No need to bend down, nor to devote time afterwards to picking up plant debris! It is also perfect for harvesting apples without having to constantly climb a ladder in order to delicately place the fruit in a crate 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 a trouser pocket and keeps both hands free.
- The gardening apron , an indisputable partner for seniors who love gardening (or DIY). With its many pockets, you can keep all the small equipment you need on hand. We can not do without.
Garden centers and sites specializing in gardening equipment offer countless products particularly intended for seniors wishing to take care of themselves without giving up their passion.
Good gestures and positions for gardening without injury
In many cases, the pain felt after a gardening session by seniors is due to bad posture. It is often the lower back, shoulders and knees that suffer the most. However, it is possible not to have pain even if you are old when you take the following precautions.
- Stretch before gardening.
- Warm up so as not to strain your cold muscles by performing a few movements without forcing, an unstoppable technique to avoid aches the next day.
- To make your knees more flexible, joints that become very vulnerable and sensitive over time.
- Protect your back by keeping it straight and using your thighs when carrying weight, picking up a tool or moving pots. You must always remember to bend your knees to perform these efforts without risking lumbago or neck pain. Similarly, you avoid arching your back to harvest many 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-watering cans rather than a full one, and carry them together (one in each hand) to balance the load, which is therefore well distributed. The back thus always remains straight and the shoulders are less stressed.
- Spare your tendons by not forcing too much. Gardening requires repetitive actions, especially when pruning shrubs or roses with pruning shears or shears. It is better to devote two or three short sessions to these tasks rather than one endless one.
- Oxygenate your muscles by thinking about your breathing, which must be deep and regular. The worst is to be in apnea when you provide physical effort!
- Change position frequently to limit the risk of ankylosis and protect your joints, especially when you have to squat to weed manually, for example, or if you have to keep your arms raised for a long time.
- Sit down to perform all tasks that allow it rather than standing or crouching.
It is essential to always stay tuned to your body and to stop at the slightest alert such as shortness of breath, back pain, in a knee, at the level of a forearm or shoulders. No sign is to be overlooked. But it is wiser to consult your doctor when these manifestations continue.
