Prioritising Accessible Gardening in Response to Our Aging Population
Guest Blog: Laura Wood from Invisible Creations.
Laura Wood is a leading expert in home and garden adaptations, with over a decade of experience in the social housing sector. She specialises in designing accessible environments that enhance independence and quality of life, particularly for older adults and those with mobility challenges. Her work focuses on the design of functional, attractive spaces that support aging in place.
As the Director of Invisible Creations and a board member of Alpha Living and the Chartered Institute of Housing in the North East, Laura advocates for innovative approaches to home and garden adaptations. In her guest blog, she explores the vital role accessibility plays in outdoor spaces.
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As someone who has dedicated over a decade towards solutions that improve home accessibility, I’ve seen the profound impact that thoughtful design can have on people’s lives. In recent years, the importance of creating safer environments has become more pressing as our population ages.
Gardening, a hobby cherished by millions, particularly those over the age of 55[1], has become an area of increasing concern. With more people living longer and facing mobility challenges from conditions such as arthritis and hip fractures, the garden industry must evolve to meet these changing needs. By prioritising safety and accessibility, we can ensure that gardens remain a source of joy and well-being for everyone, regardless of age or ability.
Responding to a Shifting Demographic
The UK is undergoing a significant demographic shift that will have far-reaching implications for nearly every sector of society. By 2050, it is estimated that a quarter of the population will be over the age of 65[2]. Today, 4 million older adults, (40% of people aged 65 and over[3]), live with a limiting long-term illness or disability[4]. This number is only expected to rise as the population ages.
Chris Whitty, the Chief Medical Officer for England, addressed this issue at the 2023 UKRI’s Healthy Ageing Conference. He emphasised the urgent need for ‘old-fashioned’ methods, such as exercise and low-cost adaptations to help future-proof our society for an aging population[5]. Whitty’s message was clear: if we are to support older adults in maintaining their independence and quality of life, we must act now to make our environments safer and more accessible.
One of the most pressing concerns for older adults is the risk of falls. Falls are a leading cause of serious injury among older people[6], with one-third of individuals over the age of 65 experiencing a fall each year[7]. Sadly, about half of these falls occur in outdoor spaces, such as pathways and gardens.[8] Falls can have serious consequences, particularly for older adults. Hip fractures, for example, are a common result of falls and can have devastating effects. Around 76,000 hip fractures occur each year in the UK, costing the NHS over £2 million annually[9]. These injuries often lead to lengthy hospital stays, significant rehabilitation, and, in some cases, permanent loss of independence. Another major concern is that 4.3 million older adults identify fear of falling as their primary worry[10]. Both falling and the fear of falling can profoundly affect people's lives, leading to a range of negative outcomes. Such as, reduced confidence, decreased independence, hospitalisation, relocation and unplanned care home admissions.
Unfortunately, low-cost adaptations are often installed too late, reducing their effectiveness as preventative measures. Many people resist these adaptations because they appear too clinical, and an outdoor grab rail can feel like an advertisement of their vulnerability. Alongside aesthetics; a 2013/14 National Trading Standards Board survey found that 43% of doorstep crime victims had features such as handrails, ramps, or key safes, suggesting that these items may sometimes be used by offenders to identify vulnerable residents.[11]
The Garden Industry's Role
Gardening is not only a beloved hobby but also a vital activity to enhance health and wellbeing for many older adults. It provides physical exercise, mental stimulation, and a sense of purpose, all of which contribute to overall better well-being. However, as people age, the risks associated with gardening increase. Uneven, wet, or cluttered pathways and steps can become significant hazards, leading to falls and injuries.
The garden industry is uniquely positioned to address these challenges. Garden retailers, often frequented by older adults and serving as community hubs for gardening enthusiasts, have a vital role to play. By prioritising safety and accessibility in both their products and messaging, the industry can not only meet the needs of this demographic but ensure they continue to enjoy their home and garden for many years to come.
An Opportunity for Change
The ageing population presents a significant market opportunity. As the demand for products and services that cater to an older demographic grows, retailers and garden centres can position themselves as leaders in promoting safe and accessible outdoor spaces. This is not just about responding to immediate needs; it is about preparing for the future and ensuring that the industry remains relevant.
To capitalise on this opportunity, the industry must embrace a mindset of inclusivity and innovation. This includes the promotion of products that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. For example, stylish grab rails that can be integrated into garden designs in ways that complement the overall aesthetic, rather than detracting from it. Similarly, lighting that can be both functional and decorative, enhancing the beauty of the garden while improving safety.
A Call to Action for the Garden Industry
As someone who has spent over a decade working in home accessibility, I'm thrilled to help sow the seeds of accessibility in this industry through sources, such as this blog, and our presence GLEE. With the demographic shift we're seeing, I believe it's more important than ever to take a proactive approach. The garden industry is in a unique position to lead the change in creating safe, accessible outdoor spaces that cater to our aging population. The future of gardening is inclusive, and it is time for the industry to step up and lead the way.
[1] Age groups that enjoy gardening UK 2020 | Statista
[2] Living longer and old-age dependency – what does the future hold? - Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)
[4] CBP-9602.pdf (parliament.uk)
[5] Ageing Better welcomes Chris Whitty report highlighting need to adapt to an ageing population - THIIS Magazine
[6] About Older Adult Fall Prevention | Older Adult Fall Prevention | CDC
[7] Elderly Falls and NHS Healthcare Report | TakingCare
[8] Characteristics of outdoor falls among older people: a qualitative study - PMC (nih.gov)
[9] https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/66559c5a-904b-4865-b915-ad9bce68ecb7/national-hip-fracture-database-annual-report-2023