How gardening can boost your IQ and enhance your well-being

Wednesday, August 7, 2024.

As a couples therapist, I sometimes notice hobbies that seem to promote both mental and physical health.

One such pastime, which you might not immediately associate with cognitive benefits, is gardening.

Surprisingly, gardening can significantly enhance your intelligence and overall well-being. Let’s consider how this common activity can make you smarter and healthier.

How The Study Was Conducted

A fascinating study conducted in Edinburgh, Scotland, tracked the cognitive health of hundreds of older adults.

The participants were tested on spatial ability, verbal reasoning, and math—common components of IQ tests. Remarkably, the study found that those who regularly engaged in gardening had higher IQs and maintained their cognitive abilities for longer compared to those who did not garden.

Specifically, among the 467 participants, 43% gardened regularly while 31% had never taken up the activity. The results showed that gardeners experienced less cognitive decline and retained their intelligence better into late adulthood, even when factors such as education, exercise, and socio-economic status were controlled for.

The Broader Benefits of Gardening

Gardening is not just about nurturing plants; it's also about nurturing your mind and body. In the UK, around 70% of people aged 65-74 engage in gardening during their spare time. This activity is associated with numerous health benefits, including:

Improved Physical Health: Gardeners often report better overall physical health.

Enhanced Psychological Well-being: The act of gardening can reduce stress and improve mood.

Higher Life Satisfaction: Those who garden tend to have a greater sense of life satisfaction.

Dr. Janie Corley, the study's lead author, highlights the importance of gardening in preventing cognitive decline and dementia. She explains, “Engaging in gardening projects, learning about plants, and general garden upkeep involves complex cognitive processes such as memory and executive function.

Consistent with the ‘use it or lose it’ framework of cognitive function, more engagement in gardening may be directly associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline.”

Why gardening is mentally stimulating

The study suggests that the cognitive benefits of gardening stem from its mentally stimulating nature.

While the physical exercise involved in gardening is beneficial, the mental demands—planning, problem-solving, and learning about different plants—are what truly make a difference.

The researchers believe these activities contribute to what is known as "brain reserve," helping to maintain cognitive functions even in older age.

They write, “…the positive associations observed here may stem from the cognitive demands of gardening, rather than simply a consequence of being more active; the mechanism most commonly cited as driving the relationship between gardening and health.

One plausible interpretation is that the mentally stimulating nature of gardening, as yet relatively unexplored, might contribute to brain reserve even in older age.”

Bringing Gardening into Your Life

Considering the substantial benefits, it might be worth incorporating gardening into your routine. Whether you have a sprawling garden or a small balcony, there are ways to get involved. Start with simple plants, engage in garden projects, and enjoy the process of learning and nurturing your green space. Not only will you be boosting your brainpower, but you'll also be enhancing your overall well-being.

Final Thoughts

As we age, maintaining our cognitive health becomes increasingly important. Gardening offers a unique, enjoyable way to keep our minds sharp and our bodies healthy.

So next time you’re looking for a hobby that provides both mental stimulation and physical activity, consider picking up a trowel and some seeds. Your brain—and your body—will thank you.

Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.

REFERENCES:

Corley, J., Pattie, A., Deary, I. J., & Cox, S. R. (2024). Gardening and cognitive ageing: Longitudinal findings from the Lothian Birth Cohort of 1921. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 97, 102361. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2024.102361