In Adair County, the Extension Master Gardeners are working diligently to improve the quality and quantity of life via education in the area of horticulture.  

In the spring of 2023, the Adair County Cooperative Extension Service with volunteers of the Extension Master Gardener program constructed and installed raised beds at a local elder care facility.  Extension Master Gardener assisted patients with seeds and transplants and provided education on how to care for the plants throughout the season.  Patients the cared for the plants during the growing season.   Staff allowed patients to incorporate fresh vegetables grown from the raised beds into daily meals provided.

As a results of these efforts, these seniors where given greater access to fresh, healthy vegetables in addition to opportunities of increased physical activity.  According to the National Library of Medicine, increased activity associated with gardening reduces major health risks of older adults including depression.  The director of the elder care facility reported that patients enjoyed caring for the plants and worked together to harvest vegetables and incorporate them into their lunch meals.