Being able to enjoy the outdoors is essential for our wellbeing, but as we get older mobility issues can make it harder for us to get out and about, even in our own gardens… but making landscaping design changes at home can help ensure that we can get outside, even as our physical needs evolve.
Here are five ideas to help transition your outdoor spaces so that they’re easier for older people to use.
1. Firm & level patios, paths & walkways
Review your garden to find evidence of any trip hazards. Ensuring that walkways, patios and paths are even and firm is vital to prevent slips, trips and falls.
Good surface materials for new hard landscaping installations include concrete, well-laid paving slabs and bound gravel. Also consider walkway width and make sure that thoroughfares are wide enough for mobility aids and for people to walk two abreast.
2. Prioritise lighting systems
It’s easy to forget about lighting when designing a new garden, but it’s an essential health and safety feature, particularly for older people. Make sure you install motion sensor lights along all routes and pathways so that everyone can see where they’re going once at all times.
3. Seating spots
Depending on the size of your garden, you may want to provide various areas for seating so that people can rest as they need to, no matter where they are outside.
4. Automated irrigation
One way to maintain a beautiful garden as you get older is to opt for drought-tolerant plants, shrubs and trees, but you will still need to water on occasion.
Get around this potential physical obstacle by implementing an automated irrigation system to do the back-breaking work for you.
5. Raised beds
It can be difficult to abandon a passion in gardening because of physical difficulties, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Install raised beds throughout the garden at a height of around 90cm so you can enjoy gardening from a seated position.