agree 100%

I am the youngster volunteer at a local demonstration garden. The elder volunteers in their 70s are all very sharp. They usually don't stop until arthritis or back problems force them to stop. But their minds are agile, and they are all very social, cooperative, and upbeat.

The key seems to be enjoying it all, and not being too aggressive. Moderation. Going with the perennials, especially natives to the area, can produce unexpected large displays of very vibrant flowers that attract a lot of pollinator and bird life. A high tolerance for failure helps greatly. You'll know when something is working in your niche microenvironment.

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yjftsjthsd-h a day ago | parent [-]

> I am the youngster volunteer at a local demonstration garden. The elder volunteers in their 70s are all very sharp. They usually don't stop until arthritis or back problems force them to stop. But their minds are agile, and they are all very social, cooperative, and upbeat.

Okay, ask the obvious question. Isn't that a perfect candidate for causality to go the other way? Anybody with basically any mobility or serious health problems is less likely to go out gardening, so of course you only see healthy people out gardening. (To be fair, I would expect that it is good for you and helps people stay healthy, but I would expect the selection effects to be a stronger explanation for what you're observing.)

	▲	DaveZale 18 hours ago \| parent [-]
		Yes, I think I see what you are saying. Actually, since the pandemic lockdown, from what I gather locally, volunteer activity has dropped off by up to 75% in this garden. My best guess is that screen addictions (like Netflix and other streaming) are now widespread, and were exacerbated by the lockdown. Locally, outside activity in yards and gardens is down drastically, and it shows. Weeds and neglected yards tell that story. But sure, we have a 79 year old who has been at the garden for 20 years and, despite aches and pains, is the most active! He is also my mentor and I appreciate his devotion. Would he be as physically active if not for the volunteering? Doubtful. So I believe that I concur with you on this.