There’s a lot of evidence, mostly anecdotal but some scientific, suggesting that gardeners can live up to 14 years longer than those who don’t garden. That’s a pretty big deal and definitely worth more research. Dan Buettner, a National Geographic author, has looked into this by visiting “blue zones” around the globe—areas where people tend to live much longer. His findings are quite intriguing.
There are likely many reasons why gardeners might live longer, but a few key habits of gardeners could play a significant role:
For starters, gardening typically takes place during daytime hours, so gardeners spend a lot of time in the sun. This exposure helps the body produce Vitamin D, which is known to protect against some cancers and heart disease. It makes sense then, that those with higher Vitamin D levels might enjoy longer lives.
If you don’t garden, you can still soak up some sun to boost your Vitamin D. Just be sure you’re getting enough without getting sunburned!
Gardening also involves getting your hands dirty. While today’s society often avoids dirt, using products like hand sanitizers, dirt can actually be beneficial. The lack of exposure to soil and its organisms has been linked to higher rates of auto-immune diseases. Soil is full of beneficial bacteria, minerals, and microorganisms. Contact with soil introduces the body to these helpful microorganisms, potentially strengthening the immune system. This immune boost could contribute to longer life.
To get this benefit, consider taking probiotics or eating fermented foods, but remember these won’t give you the complete diversity of microorganisms that direct contact with soil offers.
Gardeners often come in direct contact with the earth. The book “Earthing” suggests that this contact might be hugely beneficial. The theory is that many of us hardly ever touch the earth with our bare skin, and this can lead to a build-up of positive electrons in the body due to exposure to electrical energy, electromagnetic frequencies, Wi-Fi, and more. The earth acts as a grounding source, reducing this excess charge. The absence of grounding might lead to inflammation and disease, whereas gardeners naturally engage in grounding, balancing their energy levels.
To benefit from this, try walking barefoot outside for at least 20 minutes daily or consider using an Earthing Mat while sleeping.
Many gardeners find gardening a great way to relax and relieve stress. Since stress negatively impacts hormones and can increase disease risk, having a positive stress outlet is incredibly beneficial for health. Managing stress hormones can positively influence blood pressure, cortisol levels, and inflammation.
To enjoy these benefits, regularly take time to do something calm and enjoyable, ideally outdoors.
It’s logical that gardeners often grow vegetables, meaning they probably consume more of them. Eating more veggies and fewer processed foods provides more nutrients and antioxidants while reducing toxins—definitely a win-win.
To gain this advantage, simply make sure to eat plenty of vegetables.
Finally, gardening involves a lot of physical activity, from lifting plants and soil to raking and digging. These actions offer the benefits of exercise in a relaxing and sustainable manner, another win-win.
To incorporate this benefit, set aside time each week for activities like heavy lifting and lighter exercises such as swimming, hiking, or walking.
Do you garden? What’s your reason for doing it? Share your thoughts!
