People living in so-called “blue zones” have certain factors in common – social support networks, daily exercise habits and a plant-based diet, for starters.
But they share another unexpected commonality. In each community, people are gardening well into old age – their 80s, 90s and beyond.
Could nurturing your green thumb help you live to 100?
It is well-known that an outdoor lifestyle with moderate physical activity is linked
to longer life, and gardening is an easy way to accomplish both. “If you garden, you’re getting some low-intensity physical activity most days, and you tend to work routinely,” says Buettner.
He says there is evidence that gardeners live longer and are less stressed.
A variety of studies confirm this, pointing to both the physical and mental health benefits of gardening.
I – Word Understanding
Blue zone – places in the world where people live longer than average
Green thumb – natural talent for growing plants
II – Have Your Say
1. Do you have a green thumb? What makes you enjoy gardening? If not, why don’t you like gardening?
2. Many people think of gardening as boring, time-consuming, complicated, or, Heaven forbid, a retirement hobby for old people who don’t play golf. In reality, gardening is an enjoyable pastime that benefits not only the gardener but also the space around him or her. Here are seven reasons why you should consider gardening as a hobby:
a. It’s basically free
b. It’s good for your health
c. It can beautify any space
d. It can save you money
e. It’s good for the environment
f. You’ll never be bored
g. It’s creative
