Indoor vases filled with fresh flowers and plants are a wonderful way to lift one’s mood while also adding fragrance and color to the environment. Below are some additional reasons why flower arranging can be the perfect hobby for your retired mother.
Lowers Anxiety and Stress
We all experience anxiety and stress to various degrees, but too much of it can be hazardous to your health, especially as you get older. Studies show that flowers will stimulate your sense of touch, sight, and smell which can trigger memories that will alleviate any stress or unease. It is for this reason that many experts recommend the handling of flowers for those who are suffering from dementia, as it is a soothing activity that will promote joy and calm.
Enhances Manual Dexterity
Manual motor skills will often deteriorate as one advances in age. This is usually the result of joint stiffness and swelling from diseases like arthritis, which can attack your hands, making the fingers less rigid and flexible. Carrying, cutting, and arranging flowers will give your hands, thumbs, and fingers the nice workout they need. If done regularly, this will lead to muscle memory which will enhance the connection between your body and mind.
Encourages Socialization
While flower arrangements can be undertaken alone, the activity is even more fun when done as a group or in class. While handling the flowers, your mother will get the opportunity to gossip with friends about the latest happenings. This is important as it will lower the sense of isolation and loneliness that many aging individuals experience.
Increases Happiness and Mood
If your mother has been depressed lately, your first instinct might be to purchase antidepressant medication or take her to a doctor for therapy; don’t. A behavioral analysis undertaken via Rutgers University has shown that simply giving her a gift of flowers is the perfect way to boost her mood. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that within a ten-month period, individuals who spent lots of time near flowers were able to overcome their feelings of despair and reported greater life satisfaction.
Promotes Inclusivity
Perhaps the greatest advantage of flower arrangements is inclusivity. It doesn’t require any special skills or equipment and is an activity that may be enjoyed by individuals of all skill levels, ages, and abilities. Your mother can perform floral arrangements while sitting, standing, and even when reclining in bed. It is also a timeless activity that anyone can relate to, as flowers are part of nature and have been around forever.
Floral Arrangement Advice
Following these tips will ensure your floral arrangements are always spectacular:
- Always select flowers with stems that are sturdy, like marigolds or zinnias. This is because they are easier for people with reduced dexterity to handle.
- Choose different types of vases. Mason glass jars or colored water pitchers made from non-BPA plastic are perfect.
Before placing the plants and flowers inside vases, position everything on a table first so your mother can see all the options available, then cut the stems using scissors to obtain the proper lengths.
