Gardening has been revealed as a key activity that can help maintain cognitive health in old age, according to a groundbreaking study conducted by psychologists at Edinburgh University. The research, which spanned nearly a century and tracked the lifestyles of hundreds of individuals, discovered that individuals who engage in gardening exhibit better cognitive abilities in their later years compared to those who do not.

The study, published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, highlighted the mentally stimulating nature of gardening as a factor that could contribute to maintaining brain health, especially in older age. The findings suggest that spending time tending to plants and engaging in garden-related activities may offer protection against conditions such as dementia, even up to the age of 80, irrespective of socioeconomic status or educational background.

Alzheimer Scotland has welcomed the results, describing them as ‘encouraging’ and emphasizing the wide-ranging benefits that gardening can provide. According to Gillian Councill, the charity’s executive lead on brain health and innovation, activities like digging, planting, and weeding can enhance hand strength, which in turn has been linked to improved brain health. Additionally, growing one’s own food through gardening promotes a healthier diet, while participating in community gardening initiatives fosters social connections that are beneficial for overall brain health.

The study was part of a long-term research project known as the Lothian Birth Cohorts, which involved individuals born in and around Edinburgh in 1921. Participants underwent intelligence testing at age eleven, with follow-up assessments conducted later in life, including at age 79 when they retook the same cognitive tests. Over the years, participants provided information on their lifestyles and underwent regular evaluations of their brain health, offering valuable insights into the relationship between gardening and cognitive aging.