New Research Suggests Gardening Offers More Benefits Than Just Fresh Air for Older Adults
Gardening has long been associated with relaxation, fresh air, and spending more time outdoors, but new research suggests it may also provide meaningful physical and emotional benefits for older adults. As more people search for lower-impact ways to stay active later in life, gardening is increasingly being viewed as more than just a seasonal hobby.
A new study from the Mather Institute explored how older adults view gardening and the role it can play in supporting long-term wellness. According to the research, many participants said gardening helps them stay physically active while also improving their mood and reducing stress.
The findings arrive as interest in gardening continues growing among older adults who want hobbies that combine movement, routine, and time outside without the intensity of more structured exercise programs. Consistent gardening can become an important routine and a way to stay physically engaged and mentally sharp.
Gardening Encourages Everyday Movement
According to research from the Mather Institute, nearly 90 percent of respondents said gardening has a positive impact on their physical health. Many participants also viewed gardening as a form of exercise because it naturally incorporates movement into everyday routines.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that older adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week. According to the study, many who participate in regular gardening exceed those recommendations.
Tasks like digging, planting, pulling weeds, watering, bending and carrying gardening supplies can all contribute to regular physical activity. Unlike traditional workouts, garden work often feels more purposeful and relaxing, and that sense of accomplishment tends to make people more likely to stick with it over time.
Researchers and health organizations, such as the CDC, have increasingly pointed to low-impact physical activity as an important factor in supporting mobility and overall wellness as people age. For older adults who may not enjoy gyms or formal exercise programs, gardening can offer a more approachable alternative.
Related: Outdoor Relaxation Zones Are Taking Over Backyards-Here's How to Create One
Benefits Beyond Movement
The research study also highlighted the broader lifestyle habits of adults who garden. According to the study, gardeners were more likely to report healthier eating habits and higher overall fruit and vegetable consumption.
"Older adults are interested in ways to improve their wellness, and gardening is a secret way to achieve this goal," said Jennifer Smith, vice president of Mather Institute. "From our research, we also found gardeners tended to consume significantly more fruit and vegetables and engage in other healthy eating habits more often, and the rewards of this simple hobby can be truly meaningful. We hope this research offers accessible steps older adults can take to nurture their gardening journey so they can age well."
Many Also Report Mental Health Benefits
The survey's findings extended beyond physical wellness. Many respondents also said gardening helps reduce stress and supports their mental well-being. Spending time outdoors has long been associated with improved mood and lower stress levels, and gardening adds an additional sense of purpose and engagement for many participants.
The report noted that older adults often described gardening as calming, rewarding and emotionally restorative. Some participants also connected gardening with mindfulness, saying the activity helped them slow down and focus on the present moment.
That connection to mental wellness may help explain why gardening continues attracting interest among retirees and older adults looking for hobbies that feel productive without becoming overly strenuous.
Gardening Continues to Grow Beyond a Simple Hobby
Interest in gardening has steadily expanded in recent years, especially as more people invest time in outdoor living spaces and home-based wellness activities. For older adults in particular, gardening may offer a combination of movement, relaxation, creativity and routine that few hobbies manage to deliver all at once.
While gardening may not fully replace structured exercise for everyone, the new research suggests it can still play an important role in helping older adults stay active, engaged and mentally refreshed over time.
Related: Starting a Vegetable Garden? These Are the Easiest Crops to Grow, Say Pros
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This story was originally published May 24, 2026 at 7:45 AM.