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The therapeutic benefits of peaceful garden environments have been understood since ancient times. In the 19th century, Dr. Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and considered to be the "Father of American Psychiatry," reported that garden settings held curative effects for people with mental illness.

Rehabilitative care of hospitalized war veterans in the 1940's and 1950's greatly expanded the practice of HT. Today, HT is recognized as a practical and viable treatment with wide-ranging benefits for people in therapeutic, vocational, and wellness programs.

Horticultural Therapy is now taught and practiced throughout the world in a rich diversity of settings and cultures.

The Secret of the Garden

The American Horticultural Therapy Association is a champion of barrier-free, therapeutic gardens that enable everyone to work, learn, and relax in the garden. Horticultural therapists are skilled at creating garden spaces that accommodate people with a wide range of abilities. People with physical or mental disabilities benefit from gardening experiences as part of HT programs, and they learn skills, adaptations, and gardening methods that allow for continued participation at home.

• Some techniques include:
• Constructing wide, gently graded wheelchair accessible entrances and paths.
• Utilizing raised beds and containers
• Adapting tools to turn a disability into an ability
• Creating sensory-stimulation environments with plants selected for fragrance texture and color
• Utilizing accessible greenhouses that bring the garden indoors for year-round enjoyment

RESOURCE: American Horticultural Therapy Association

Many seniors live frugally because they were taught good work and play and living habits as a child or developed them to manage their own homes and lives.  So you might realize how "green" you already are -- and how a few choices can also save you significant money!

For example, 

Biking or walking for short errands ... or even to your volunteer or paid jobs

Learn to take the city bus -- many cities have significant discounts for seniors and even if you pay full price...bus rides cost much less than a car and gasoline and maintenance!  My husband and I are having a ball exploring our city on the bus...and at $ .25 a ride!

Save water -- as water supplies becomes more volatile, they also become more expensive.  Consider converting water-guzzling lawns to hardscape or native plants, or mulched beds.
And you can remind  yourself daily of the value of water by changing to a glass of water for tooth brushing instead of wasting a gallon of running water every time!

 Manage your window drapes and shades to enjoy the beautiful rays of free sunshine during your active times...and close them for filtered light to keep your rooms cool when not in use,

Make or use home-made alternatives -- like baking soda for scrubbing and scouring.  Vinegar and basic soaps are easier on the environment...and will save you big bucks over fancy cleaners.

 Simple things like reusing paper -- both sides ,,, and using mugs and glasses instead of disposable cups are simple changes to make.  Just take the time to create an easy to use system ... and you'll have them handy every time!

Pay your bills on time...avoid late charges and interest charges.  Fees for banking services are growing rapidly and by using an automated payment, you can even avoid monthly interst charges on your credit card.  Just make sure you cover your minimum payment each month with an automated payment...and then add a second payment at your leisure to finish your payment.  This can save BIG BUCKS as well as preserve your credit rating!

Gift giving can be even more special when you use your own arts and crafts to make cookies, or paintings, or embroidered dishtowels or potholders!  Wrap them in a usable cover -- such as a dishtowel or wash cloth...and your gift truly is appreciated through and through!

Going green can be a game...with unending ideas and strategies that you can use your imagination to refine and your friendships to share ideas and resources.  And then, Mother Earth becomes a valued friend, as well.

University of Virginia engineers, clinicians, and the school's Institute of Aging, have teamed up with AFrame Digital, a company building mobile sensors and networks, to create a large scale real-time gait monitoring system.

Using wrist worn sensors, the goal is to keep an eye on signs of declining walking ability in senior and geriatric patients. The gait sensors, now about the size of a digital watch face, can measure and transmit data on a wide range of human motion, including

• linear acceleration, or how fast patients move in a straight path, and
• rotational rate, which together provide six degrees of freedom motion capture.

The sensors are now in their third generation of development.

Current gait monitoring systems are costly and limited in application. Monitoring gait-related problems typically requires patients to visit a health care facility, where they walk on a pressure sensitive treadmill and are monitored by video cameras.

AFrame's  wireless monitoring and alerting system is designed to enhance the independence and security of healthcare facility residents and patients as they move about in care facilities as they participate in the activities of daily living. Knowing that they are monitored can provide  greater peace of mind and confidence that leads to a more active lifestyle.

AFrame solutions and services

Los Angeles County has over 10 million residents, and many of these individuals benefit from the services provided by Community and Senior Services (CSS). Through many diverse programs, community and senior centers provide services that have far reaching effects, and in many cases, make a difference between positive and negative aspects in people's lives.

Every senior center or community center offers differnt programs but here is a list of some of the wide variety that just might be available in your local center of vitality:

• Alzheimer's Day Care    
• Adult Protective Services    
• Community Centers
• Congregate Meals    
• Dietary Support Services    
• Dispute Resolution Program
• Domestic Violence Services    
• Elder Abuse    
• Elder Care
• Employment Services    
• Enhance     Family Caregiver
• Health Insurance Counseling    
• Health & Wellbeing    
• Home (In-Home) Care
• Home-Delivered Meals    
• Integrated Care Management    
• Traditional Legal
• Long Term Care Ombudsman    
• Mediation Services    
• Nutrition
• Senior Centers    
• WorkSource Centers    
• Youth Services

Many senior center programs are free, and special events such as tours or trips might have a modest cost.  Call or check the website of your city and county governments to find listings of the senior centers close to you.  But don't overlook specialized programs that might be offered across town...or just a short ride from your neighborhood.  Carpooling can solve that minor problem... and bring you great riches for spirit and community!