Gardening, healthy aging, and longevity: Longitudinal evidence from 25 years of the Lothian Birth Cohort 1921

Gardening is a common leisure activity among older adults, yet its potential to support healthy aging remains underexplored, particularly in longitudinal contexts and across multiple aging domains. This study investigated whether gardening frequency was associated with psychological, physical, and biological aging markers, as well as mortality, in the Lothian Birth Cohort 1921 (LBC1921). Gardening frequency was assessed via questionnaire at a mean age of 79 years (baseline: 1999–2001) in 475 participants. Aging markers were measured at 79, 83, 87, and 90 years. Psychological markers (quality of life, psychological wellbeing) were self-reported; physical function markers (lung function, gait speed, grip strength, functional ability) were objectively assessed; and biological markers (telomere length, DNA methylation-based PhenoAge) were blood-derived. Survival was tracked using 25-year mortality linkage data. Analyses included linear regression, growth curve modeling, and Cox proportional hazards, adjusted for individual- and neighbourhood-level covariates. Of the sample, 207 gardened frequently, 78 sometimes, and 190 never or rarely. At baseline (age 79), higher gardening frequency was associated with better psychological wellbeing, stronger physical function, and longer telomeres. Longitudinally, more frequent gardening predicted slower declines in gait speed and telomere attrition from age 79 to 90. Frequent gardeners had a 22 % lower mortality risk (HR = 0.78, 95 % CI: 0.62–0.97) than those who never or rarely gardened. Associations were not substantially confounded by sociodemographic, lifestyle, or physical activity factors. Our results suggest that gardening may support wellbeing and longevity, with potential implications for aging in place for older adults. • Higher gardening frequency was associated with healthier aging markers at age 79. • More gardening predicted slower gait speed and telomere decline from ages 79–90. • Frequent gardeners had a 22 % lower mortality risk over 25 years of follow-up. • Associations persisted after adjustment for key confounders, including activity and health. • Public health initiatives promoting gardening may support wellbeing and longevity.