Latest research shows that pensioners above the age of 60 who have allotments are significantly healthier both mentally and physically as compared to those who are of the same age but have no allotment.
 
The study also suggests that the stress levels at both mental and physical level are improved by gardening and those who have allotments also make lesser visits to their doctors as per the studies published in Environmental Health journal.
 
It is estimated that at least three million elderly tend allotments across Europe and it has been observed that these people are usually healthier and more active than the ones who do not have allotments but the maximum difference was seen among those aged 62 and above.
 
At least 121 adults along with allotments and 63 of their neighbors who didn’t have them were monitored by the Dutch researchers from Wageningen Univeristy. Records were kept about their health, physical activity and mobility, chronic illness and even GP visits.
 
The study findings suggest that people who spent time doing activities outdoors and had some hobby to concentrate on dealt with physical and mental effects of ageing in a much better way.