Gardening stimulates the body and soul. It maintains flexibility and mobility. Studies indicate it makes you feel renewed inside. Seniors might not agree though when they feel their body aching during or afterward.
Initially, you may tell yourself that everything in the garden is rosy but after a few hours of yard work you can feel your body protesting. Or it’s simply that your stiff back and knees, or arthritic hands are restricting your activities.
Luckily there’s a wide range of ergonomic garden tools that allow those with green fingers to keep going comfortably. Here’s an overview of equipment that will help reduce joint strain and other physical stress, is lightweight and easier to handle.
Easy grip tools
1. Ergonomic hand weeder
this tough tool makes pulling weeds fun
The serrated Radius Ergonomic weeder slices through roots like a warm knife through butter. It ruthlessly deals with dandelions as it won’t leave those dreadful long taproots snapped, pinched or broken in the soil. Thus it helps you prevent that more weeds will return than the ones you thought you removed.
The comfortable, bended grip provides extra leverage making it easy to handle this tool. You can use your body weight to drive it straight into the ground. Then twist, turn, slice, and flick out blackberry, red flag, and other roots.
Whether you’re getting less strong or carpal tunnel, joint problems or arthritis are limiting you, this cleverly designed hand tool makes pulling weeds easier.
Keep in mind
- not for very precise, delicate weeding jobs as it will grab quite a portion of the soil
- not very suitable for removing rocks
2. Ergonomic pruning shear
prune with less pressure
Certain secateurs are more forgiving for painful arthritic hands than others. The Gardener’s Friend ratchet pruner makes pruning easier for both small snips as well as large cuts. The three-stage mechanism ensures that cutting thicker limbs is easier while the blades don’t flex. If the first squeeze doesn’t cut it, you just squeeze again and it continues the cut.
It’s an easy to use pruner, especially in case of weak grip since it causes less strain on the hands. Besides leverage, this shear’s soft rubber hand grip functions as a pressure and shock absorber.
Tip: additionally you could get a holster to keep your pruner close and not having to walk back and forth to where you left it.
Good to know
- Not the most appropriate tool for gardeners with small hands (lock hard to open/ difficulty -single-handed opening to full width). For smaller hands look into the budget-friendly Bahco Ergonomic Pruner with Fixed Small Handle PX-S2.
3. Ergonomic garden hose nozzle
no need to keep pressing the handle
Whether your hands lack their former strength, you’ve got arthritic fingers, or just want something that’s easier on the hands, this lightweight, thumb-controlled, rubber-padded nozzle might be for you. This affordable nozzle is simply turned on and off by pressing the button with your thumb.
4. Bear paws ergonomic cultivator
for raking, aerating, cultivating, weeding
Gardeners with arthritic hands love the Bear Paws Cultivator Claw. No more tired and sore hands and arms while pulling grass and narrow-rooted weeds. Makes breaking up soil and turning over weeds a breeze. Use it to puncture the ground with feeding holes. Pick out debris and rocks. Can be used on potted plants too.
Keep in mind
- might want to pick a different color than green because green is easily lost in the grass or foliage
Equipment that eliminates bending
5. Ergonomic add-on handle
makes bending over virtually unnecessary
This highly versatile ergonomic add-on handle is quickly and almost effortlessly clamped to a snow shovel shaft. Not only that, it can be clamped to normal shovels, a garden hose, rakes, pond skimmer nets, floor mops, broomsticks, pitchforks, and even your vacuum cleaner rod.
The durable handle is made out of thick plastic. The included hex wrench is stored on the handle and lets you swiftly loosen the bolts to slide the handle up or down the shaft to adjust for convenience.
This ergonomic handle attachment is perfect for anyone who wants to keep their body more upright when working with long-handled tools of all sorts. Because of increased leverage you’ll have more control and will work more efficiently (with more force) while saving your back. More info on the BackEZ EziMate handle.
6. No bend stand-up weed grabber
no more leaning down every few inches to remove the next weed
With this long-handed weeder er and root removal tool you’ll never have to bend over to pick up a weed. No more working on your knees in the dirt either. Nor toiling over a plot of land stressing your back while gathering dirt under your nails.
Simply use the foot pedal to force the weeder into the soil, twist at least 90 degrees, pull, press the top round handle and it releases the weed. Especially the aiming for the root and driving its sharp teeth right into it is an enjoyable activity.
The Worth Stand-Up Weeder with its foam-padded handle pulls crab grass, lawn burweed, dandelions, and other eyesores out of your lawn and flowerbeds while leaving the soil where it belongs.
- requires some precision. you’ll have to aim well
- best for medium sized weeds with tap roots
7. Raised garden bed
potter about while maintaining correct posture
Elevated garden boxes ensure gardeners with physical restrictions can still enjoy their beloved pastime as they don’t have to stoop and bend.
Raised planters come in different variations such as kits, bags, beds with wheels and/or fencing to ward off deer and other looters. Alternatively you could opt for vertical planting alternatives such as wall-mounted planters or trellis spaces.
Ideal for post-op patients, oldsters with bad backs, people bound to wheelchairs, and others who are in one or another way restricted.
The Giantex planter features two wooden side panels for the storage of accessories and your gardening tools or use it to display small planters or pots.
Good to know
- the untreated wood might need some varnishing, for extra durability look into planters made out of weather-resistant polypropylene resin
8. Electric cultivator / tiller
for when you’re unable to loosen soil with a shovel or pitchfork
Turning over soil with a spade can be back-breaking work and might be too tiring for you. This lightweight yet powerful rototiller makes cleaning up raised flower beds and aerating small plots easy.
The Earthwise TC70025 effortlessly churns out fist-sized rocks and breaks up clumps and compacted layers in the soil and even works on clay soil (not in heavy clay soil). Even arthritic 75 year old ladies use it to take care of the heavy lifting for them. It comes in a cordless, battery-operated and a corded model.
Easy to operate on loamy or sandy soil. Since it’s lightweight it tends to hop when it hits large rocks and roots so this requires more physical strength.
Keep in mind
- Works the soil 6 inches deep. Deep-rooted plants such as perennials and roses need deeper cultivation.
Stools & seats
9. Rolling garden seat
storage container and mobile seat in one
It’s commonly underestimated how much energy rising up to a standing position costs. Especially when you have to get up and walk back to the shed once or a few times because you forgot to grab a tool you need, this getting up and kneeling down again can be tiresome. Which is why this garden scooter can be so beneficial.
The Step2 Garden Hopper rolls you smoothly over grass and most types of yard terrain. It even has a water bottle holder so you can stay hydrated and prevent heat exhaustion. Can be used for near the floor work in the house too and doubles as a kids toy. Great for oldsters, those prone to sore knees after gardening, and post knee /hip surgery patients.
10. Garden rocker
takes kneeling and squatting out of the equation
The Vertex Garden Rocker swivels allowing you to extend your range from your spot. Because it lets you reach further it alleviates tension on the back muscles, knees, and hips.
Great for those with chronic pain, osteoporosis, gardeners who find it difficult to kneel and bend, those who want to avoid housemaid’s knee, and everyone who wants to add a bit of comfort to gardening.
Thanks to its adjustable seat height you can use it to conveniently for various garden activities such as picking strawberries, snaps, peas, beans as well as planting, weeding, deadheading flower, and pruning among other things. The bottom area holds small tools.
- if stability is important to you i.e. because swiveling makes you feel insecure, better opt for a non-rocking garden stool
Kneeling aids
11. Kneeling pad
keeps your knees from getting muddy and wet, and helps avoid tendonitis
Long handled tools and add-on handles improve grip and increase applied force while ensuring you don’t have to bend down as much. Stools and carts can help avoid pain or injury too.
However, sometimes it’s best to just kneel down in your vegetable beds and put your hand to the plow, so to speak.
Besides making your kneeling position more comfortable, simple low-cost garden kneeler pads offer support which will help prevent knee pain and injury.
Consider thickness of the pad as thin, flimsy pads don’t offer as much support and aren’t durable. Memory foam pads don’t last as long as high density foam pads. If you want a soft pad you might find high-density foam mats uncomfortable though. Recycled plastic pads are even more firm.
What else to look for?
- Decide if you’ll benefit from a special ergonomical knee cushion with knee recesses (search Amazon for KneePal). Its grooves offer additional knee support as well as for your lower back.
12. Garden kneeler
no more cracking, popping knees
Knee pads can be invaluable equipment for safe and healthy gardening but if you could need some help getting up from your kneeling position a kneeler might be best for you.
Their main benefit is that they have handles which makes it easy to get up on your own. The other advantage a kneeler brings is that you can alternate between working from a kneeling and seated position as they double as a portable bench.
The durable, lightweight Abco Tech garden kneeler is easy to fold and store and comes with storage pouch to keep your equipment at hand.
Great for those with rheumatoid arthritis, a slipped disc, recovering from knee surgery, and anyone who wants to add some comfort to weeding and pruning.
Organizers
13. Garden cart
dump carts with lifting handle make for versatile workhorses in and around the house
Also known as trolleys, these are great multipurpose items used to haul mulch, compost, sand, bricks, potted plants and other stuff around the yard.
This Gorilla Carts garden dump cart has a padded handle makes hauling less strenuous on the hands. Its sturdy build and large wheels make sure it rolls smoothly across pretty much any terrain.
With its four wheels with big pneumatic tires it’s more stable and easier to maneuver than a wheelbarrow. You don’t have lift it up and strain your muscles, neither do you have to throw your body weight into pushing it as you do with a wheelbarrow.
Besides the ease of dumping the contents of the cart it can also be used to push heavy loads into the cart bed while it’s tilted after which you can right it. This saves you from having to lift the load into the cart, thus saving you backbreaking work.
Keep in mind
- assembly might be challenging to less experienced DIY’ers and or people who don’t have quality hardware tools
14. Garden tool apron
Made out of rugged material this garden organizer helps you keep your tools close while keeping you safe from sharp tools such as pruners, shears, and knives. (When you’re aging your thinning skin is more susceptible to scratches and cuts.)
Thanks to its earthy colors, dirt and stains won’t show as much so you can go longer without washing it.
The Inno Stage full coverage utility apron has accessible pockets which allow you to maintain a hands on approach in the garden. Not only do you have ample storage to keep your tools, gloves, and sunscreen close, but you can also keep your mobile phone at hand so you’ll be ready to shoot that lovely flower or cute bee.
Moreover, you’ll be able to call someone for help in case you might fall. After all, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Alternatively, you could consider getting a harvest gathering apron which makes gathering your free-range eggs, fresh apples, or walnuts a lot easier than lugging a basket around the yard.
Sun protection
15. UV protecting sun hat
One of the main health considerations in the garden when it comes to the elderly is sun protection. As you get older your skin becomes more fragile and vulnerable to sunburn.
The combination of strenuous physical activity, high temperatures, possible dehydration, and direct sunshine can increase the risk on heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke.
A wide-brimmed hat can help keep you safe and comfortable. Moreover because it helps protect your eyes from sunlight’s UV rays.
In seniors, changes in the eye lens structure occur which may cause poorer eyesight and loss of peripheral vision. Which may make circumstances that can cause short term damage such as blinking and mild irritation less noticeable.
UV exposure can cause anything from mild irritation to cataracts and permanent damage to the eyes (cornea and conjunctiva).
In addition, make sure to wear sunscreen, drink sufficiently, and wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
The Lenikis unisex hat is great for all kinds of outdoor activities. It shields your neck and shoulders too. The flap keeps drafts away from the neck when it’s colder.
Bottom line
Gardening is therapeutic. Not just seniors, but people of all ages find gardening helps them reduce stress, feel satisfied, and get a sense of intrinsic wellbeing.
For many, gardening is a pleasant form of exercise in which all motor skills are used. Thus it improves strength and endurance. It’s beneficial for seniors as it helps prevent diseases like osteoporosis and can provide delicious, nutritious home-grown produce.
No wonder gardening is often part of a rehabilitation program. Just a half hour of gardening daily has shown to boost rehabilitation of stroke and heart disease patients.
The ergonomic gardening tools listed can help anyone keep up gardening at high age. Which tool do you like best? Did you miss anything? Let us know below.
More assistive devices for seniors
Last Updated on July 12, 2022 by Tyler