Gardening is a beloved hobby for many seniors in Australia. The feeling of nurturing plants and enjoying the beauty of your garden can be immensely rewarding. However, amidst the joys of gardening, there are important safety considerations, particularly when handling potting mix, compost, and mulch. In this guide, we will explore the safety risks for seniors engaged in gardening, especially when it comes to soil handling, and discuss preventive measures against Legionnaires’ disease.
The Benefits and Risks of Gardening for Seniors
Aussie properties with a lot of garden space invite opportunities for homeowners to express their green thumbs.
The Benefits
Seniors have a number of reasons to benefit from gardening.
For instance, gardening involves various physical activities like digging, planting, and weeding, helping seniors stay active and maintain mobility. The mental health aspect is even better in the sense that the presence of so many plants to work on reduces stress and anxiety, promoting mental well-being. Gardening also encourages more outdoor time, and provides essential vitamin D from sunlight exposure. Some seniors find joy in sharing their garden with friends and neighbours, fostering social connections, which may even be true if a neighbourhood bands together to make a communal garden.
The Risks
Despite the many benefits, gardening poses some safety risks, especially for seniors.
Uneven terrain, slippery surfaces, and bending over can lead to falls, which can be particularly dangerous for older individuals. Part of that may be traced to materials and poor garden design.
Seniors may overexert themselves while lifting heavy bags of soil, pots, or gardening equipment. The danger of injury is exacerbated, for example, when a senior does not crouch down to properly lift the heavy item. As gardening is an outdoor activity, hot weather like the Australian summer can lead to heat-related illnesses, unless the senior takes periodic breaks to hydrate. On a more microbial level, handling potting mix, compost, and mulch carries the risk of exposure to harmful microorganisms, including Legionella bacteria, which can cause Legionnaires’ disease.
Legionnaires’ Disease
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious type of pneumonia caused by inhaling ‘Legionella longbeachae’ bacteria, which thrive in damp environments. Below are the ways it can be associated with gardening.
Potting Mix and Compost
These organic materials may contain Legionella longbeachae bacteria, especially if they’ve been stored in a damp place or exposed to contaminated water.
Aerosols
When gardeners open bags of potting mix or compost, they can create aerosols that may contain Legionella bacteria. Inhaling these aerosols poses a risk.
Symptoms
Initial symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease can be mild, including flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, and fatigue. Seniors may not immediately recognise the seriousness of these symptoms, as the illness can break out within ten days of exposure to Legionella longbeachae.
Prevention
Proper precautions can significantly reduce the risk of Legionnaires’ disease when handling potting mix or compost.
The danger of contracting Legionnaires’ disease was underlined after NSW Health reported in mid-September 2023 that they have tallied 54 cases of the illness up to that point, approximately 132 cases were recorded in 2022.
NSW Health took note of a light outbreak of the illness in early 2024, after the holidays. One notice concerned three men and four women who separately visited certain buildings in the Sydney CBD with cooling towers, as the virus can come from contaminated water particles that get out of cooling towers.
Gardening Tools, Hydration, and Health Precautions
Choose the Right Tools and Equipment
Invest in ergonomic gardening tools that are designed to reduce strain on joints and muscles, making gardening more comfortable. Use a wheelbarrow to transport heavy items, reducing the risk of overexertion.
Maintain Good Posture
Consider raised garden beds to reduce the need to bend and kneel. This can help prevent back strain and falls. Use kneeling pads or a gardening bench to protect your knees while working at ground level.
Stay Hydrated and Sun-Safe
Drink plenty of water, especially on hot days, to prevent dehydration and heat-related illnesses. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and lightweight, long-sleeved clothing to protect yourself from the sun. Create shaded areas in your garden where you can take breaks from direct sunlight.
Safe Soil Handling
Before opening bags of potting mix or compost, moisten the contents to reduce dust and aerosol formation. In discussing the recent warning, NSW Health executive director for health protection Dr Jeremy McAnulty said in the case of commercial potting mix products, following the manufacturer’s instructions is the best course of action.
When handling potting mix or compost, wear gloves, a mask, and eye protection to reduce the risk of inhaling particles or coming into contact with pathogens. Open bags of potting mix or compost in an open area with good airflow, such as an outdoor space. Avoid touching your face or putting your hands near your mouth and nose while working with soil. After gardening, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Legionella bacteria can be killed with soap and are not absorbed through the skin.
Be Aware of Symptoms
Familiarise yourself with the symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease. If you experience symptoms like fever, cough, or shortness of breath, seek medical attention promptly.
Seek Help When Needed
If a task requires lifting heavy objects, ask for assistance from a family member or neighbour. Avoid straining your back or joints. For tasks that are physically demanding or pose a fall risk, consider hiring a professional gardener or landscaper.
Conclusion
Gardening can offer seniors numerous physical and mental benefits, from staying active and engaged to fostering social connections and relaxation. However, seniors must also be aware of the potential risks, such as falls, heat exposure, and the dangers of handling potting materials that may contain harmful bacteria. By taking appropriate precautions—using ergonomic tools, staying hydrated, practising safe soil handling, and seeking assistance when needed—seniors can enjoy the rewards of gardening while minimising risks. Gardening can thus be a rewarding and safe activity for seniors, enhancing their quality of life while promoting health and well-being.
The A.S.A.G. Reverse Mortgage
The A.S.A.G. Reverse Mortgage can aid any efforts by seniors living independently to explore gardening as a meaningful retirement activity. Through a daily expenses reverse mortgage, seniors can access funding to pay for gardening equipment and safety measures.
Call the A.S.A.G. at 1300 002 724 or send an email to info@asagfirst.com.au to discuss your gardening finance options. You can also use the equity assessment tool below.
DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute official advice. A.S.A.G. is not affiliated with any mentioned brands or companies.