Breathe, Grow, Heal: How Plants and Wellness go Hand in Hand

Have you noticed how a stroll through a garden brings a sense of calm, or how caring for a houseplant brightens your day? Our connection to nature, especially through plants, is more than just a pleasant pastime. For older adults in retirement communities, greenery offers real, measurable benefits for mind, body, and heart.

Nature-Focused Retirement Communities 

Retirement is often seen as a season of slowing down, but we see it differently at Village Green Senior Living. This chapter of life presents an opportunity to try new things, reconnect with what brings you joy, and discover fresh sources of fulfillment each day. And nothing invites discovery and wellness quite like the world of plants.

Biophilia, a term that describes our natural affinity for living things and green spaces, holds special significance in retirement. The good news is that you don’t have to live in a forest to experience these benefits. Even a single potted plant on your kitchen table can spark feelings of comfort and vitality. When we talk about plants and wellness, we’re talking about a tool anyone can use to nurture a sense of well-being.

How Green Spaces Support Better Mental Health

Lowering Stress and Lifting Spirits

Do you ever notice how your shoulders relax when you’re surrounded by green? Research indicates that engaging with plants can help lower cortisol levels, a hormone responsible for stress in the body. According to research, immersion in nature can calm the mind and promote peace.

“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” – Audrey Hepburn

Give Your Brain a Daily Dose of Stimulation

Gardening is a hands-on activity that keeps your brain engaged. Routine tasks, such as repotting, watering, and learning about new plant varieties, stimulate memory and problem-solving skills. For instance, activities such as organizing a balcony herb garden, keeping a journal to track plant growth, and participating in group gardening projects offer gentle cognitive stimulation while fostering creativity and curiosity.

Growing Joy and Reducing Feelings of Isolation

It’s not just scientific research that supports plant care for improved well-being; personal stories abound. For many at Village Green, tending to a succulent or watching tulips bloom can lift the spirit and soothe feelings of sadness or isolation. Small acts like greeting a neighbor while watering outdoor planters foster a sense of belonging.

How a Greener Home Can Lead to a Stronger You

Fresh Air Starts with a Few Good Plants

Did you know that many common houseplants are natural air purifiers? They help remove toxins from the air and improve the quality of your breathing on a daily basis. Some standout choices include:

• Peace Lily
• Boston Fern
• Snake Plant

Bringing these into your living space enhances wellness by supporting clean, healthy air.

Let the Rhythm of Nature Guide Your Body and Mind

Gardening, even at a small scale, provides valuable movement. Bending, reaching, and gently digging promote flexibility, strength, and balance. Our Village Green Federal Way campus features lush grounds that inspire outdoor movement, while our West Seattle campus encourages residents to tend to rooftop gardens with a stunning view.

Safe gardening tips for older adults include:

• Use raised beds or container gardens to avoid overreaching
• Opt for lightweight tools and knee pads
• Listen to your body and take breaks as needed

Rooted in Relationships and Emotional Wellness

Letting Daily Moments with Plants Spark Purpose

Tending to plants gives many older adults a renewed sense of purpose. Watching something grow under your care is a truly empowering experience. Village Green residents often say their favorite time of day is spent “checking in on the roses” or sharing fresh basil with a neighbor.

Growing Together with Nature as the Guide

Plants have a wonderful way of bringing people together. Group projects, such as community vegetable patches or flower beds, not only beautify shared spaces but also spark friendships. At both Village Green West Seattle and Federal Way, you’ll find neighbors swapping cuttings, planning planting days, and hosting garden walks.

Consider starting with:

• Joining (or starting!) a gardening club
• Sharing potted plant “babies” as gifts
• Hosting a “plant swap” to explore new varieties

Bringing the Outdoors in for Daily Well-Being

Even if mobility changes, bringing nature indoors is easy. Place herbs on your kitchen windowsill, arrange seasonal bouquets, or enjoy potted palms in your living room. These touches foster a sense of connection, keeping the outside world close, even on rainy days.

Wellness Grows Naturally at Village Green

Retirement is a time for growth. Surrounding yourself with plants—whether in your home or as part of your retirement community—is a small step that sparks meaningful transformation. At Village Green, we believe that every resident deserves the opportunity to discover joy, peace, and a renewed connection with nature’s gifts.

Our West Seattle location, offering the best of the city and the calm of green spaces, and our Federal Way location, with its tranquil, tree-lined campus, make exploring the healing power of plants and wellness easy every day.

We invite you to discover a thriving, plant-friendly community rooted in connection and possibility. To learn more about our retirement communities and how we incorporate nature into daily life, contact a member of our team.