Living to 100 isn't as elusive as you might think, and a study published in yesterday's Archives of Internal Medicine suggests gardening might help you get there -- even if you experience some common age-related ailments along the way.
Together with the avoidance of smoking, obesity and other "lifestyle-related" dangers, healthy habits such as exercise can add years to your life, according to the study. And spending time in the garden is not only a rewarding hobby, it's an ideal exercise. Think about it: You stretch, move, repeat motions (think raking) and experience some weight resistance without stressing your joints as much as you would at the gym.
Plus, planting burns 250 calories per hour. That's more than golfing without a cart. Hoeing and raking burn about 350, about the same as dancing. When you start digging, your metabolism really starts cooking, burning 450 calories per hour, right up there with taking a bike ride. And I can't remember the last time I exercised and was rewarded with food as a natural consequence. But the last time I was in the garden, I brought in a basket full of tomatoes.
Just remember to bend at the knees, get some ergonomic hand tools, avoid the midday sun and drink plenty of water. And take time to smell the roses.
