Lots of ThirdAgers enjoy getting their hands dirty while pulling up weeds and planting flowers. Well, a University of Arkansas study says they are on the right track, specifically when it comes to their bones. The researchers found that women 50 and older who gardened at least once a week had higher bone density than those who jogged, walked, swam or did aerobics.
Lori Turner, assistant professor of health sciences at the university, has spent many years researching ways to prevent loss of bone density in older women. She told ThirdAge News the results initially surprised her. "I had just started doing gardening myself," she said. "I just thought it wasn't as involved as it is." But, she said, landscaping gave her a "new appreciation for all the hard physical work that goes into gardening."
Turner analyzed data collected by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and looked at the physical activities of 3,310 women. Of those, she found that almost half gardened. Turner says weight-bearing exercise is known to help women maintain healthy bones. Being outside, she adds, also gives bones an extra boost from the vitamin D derived from sunlight. She warns, however, that women should not overexpose themselves to the sun's rays, and should take care to apply sunscreen regularly.
"The best thing about yard work, is that so many people are willing to do it," Turner said. "They don't dread it as exercise." And, she said, many take pride in their yards and enjoy being outdoors. So what are you waiting for? Get out in that garden and start pulling up those weeds!
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