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Helpful Hints and Innovative Tools Make Gardening Easier for Seniors

(ARA) - Gardening can enrich life in many ways, physically, mentally and spiritually. But it can also be hard work, especially as you get older. That does not mean you have to stop gardening, though. It simply means you have to rethink how you garden.

For starters, consider incorporating some of these garden planning principles:

* Raised beds and trellises are easier to maintain than in-ground beds.

* Garden beds should be no more than 4 feet wide to allow tending the bed without straining.

* Wide garden paths allow for safer walking and permit use of labor saving carts and dollies.

* Water weighs more than 8 pounds per gallon, so design your garden with easy access to hoses and water sources. Consider the ultimate water system: an efficient automated drip or soaker hose system.

Before getting started on your plans, however, it's important to obtain the proper tools. Avid gardeners recommend high quality, ergonomically designed tools specially developed to multiply cutting power and minimize stress to your body.

"Working in the garden can become a hassle, cause pain and, in extreme cases, lead to disorders like carpal tunnel syndrome," says Nate Fethke, ergonomics engineer, Fiskars Garden Tools. "That's why it's important to use tools that match your capabilities, limitations and any special needs," he adds.

There are a number of tools available today that do just that. Consider the Extended Reach grass and hedge shears. With a reach of 38 inches, this tool lets you trim grass while standing up, eliminating bending, stooping and kneeling -- something aging backs and knees will truly appreciate. The same tool also features an adjustable cutting head that rotates 270 degrees, allowing you to safely trim the tops of hedges without using a ladder.

If it's your hands and wrists that trouble you, the Power-Lever hand pruner will make your day. The mechanical advantage of the lever mechanism allows you to multiply your cutting power by more than 35 percent compared to ordinary garden tools. The handle design, which keeps the handles parallel throughout the cut, allows all fingers to assist in pruning, which minimizes strain and maximizes your power through a cut. Its sleek, lightweight form is also perfect for gardeners with small- to medium-sized hands.

Want to trim branches overhead without using a ladder? How about at ground level without bending, stooping or kneeling? The Pruning Stik is the most versatile pruning tool ever, and one of the easiest to use. It features a cutting head that rotates on a 240-degree arc, enabling the user to set the proper cutting angle for any pruning task. The tool is activated by pulling on the handle halfway up the Stik, or by pulling on the ball end of the Stik when needed at its full length. The Pruning Stik has an overall length of 62 inches, but weighs a mere 31 ounces.

Now that you've made plans and armed yourself with the proper tools, it's time to get gardening. Keep these helpful tips in mind to ensure a safe and healthy experience:

* Garden early or late in the day to avoid the heat.

* Drink plenty of liquids and wear light, loose clothing, a big sun hat and gardening gloves.

* Carry a whistle or cell phone along with your other garden tools.

For more information on ergonomic tools and other helpful gardening tips, visit www.fiskars.com. To locate a retailer near you that carries ergonomic garden tools, call (800) 500-4849.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Mower 16"
Mower 16"

Mower 14"
Mower 14"

Grampa's Weeder
Grampa's Weeder

Easy-Grip Garden Trowel
Easy-Grip Garden Trowel

Easy-Grip Garden Fork
Easy-Grip Garden Fork

Easy-Grip Garden Cultivator
Easy-Grip Garden Cultivator

Vegetable Ladders, set of 5

Leaf Grabber Rake These tools let you easily pick up and deposit batches of leaves without bending.

Kneeler/Seat Move through gardening chores with ease. Sturdy steel frame and locking spring-loaded catches offer a comfortable seat and a safe, secure kneeler. 3/4" thick foam padding on both sides makes the job much easier. Folds to 5" thick for easy portability and storage. 24"L x 20"H x 11"

D-Handle Shovel Once you have a Super Shovel', your other shovels will gather dust in the shed.

Rolling Leaf Sweeper Our Rolling Leaf Sweeper picks up leaves without adding 'noise pollution'.

Ergo Electric Knife Ergo Electric Knife

Use this knife for carving roasts, turkey and bread. This ergonomically designed electric knife has a contoured soft handle and uniquely angled blade to allow for more comfortable cutting. Includes a utility blade for smaller carving jobs. The Trigger-Guard locks out the switch for safer blade removal.


Ergo Can Opener Ergo Can Opener

Open cans easier with this battery operated can opener! Has an ergonomically designed handle for a more comfortable hold even for people with arthritic hands or a weakened grasp. This lightweight can opener automatically &walks around; most cans, and shuts off when finished. Blade is removable and dishwasher-safe. Recharges in its own stand, does not take up much space, and no cord to plug-in or unplug.


Ergo Mixer Ergo Mixer

Unique ergonomically designed angled handle is more comfortable and easier to grip than other mixers. The spatula attachment scrapes the sides to blend batter better and is removable for easier cleaning. 5-speed mixer is lightweight and ideal for use with our tilt-a-bowl for making your favorite cake!


Chair - Deluxe Ergonomic

This fabric covered deluxe ergonomic chair features a single lever seat and back angle adjustment. Pneumatic seat height adjustment, with back height adjustment as well. Built in lumbar support, two way adjustable arms. Heavy duty nylon base with dual wheel casters. APO/FPO shipping unavailable.


Bath Kit Bath Kit

You can use this bath kit to make cleaning your feet much easier! Foot brush and toe cleaner mounted on an extra long handle is a great tool for people with limited bending. Replacement wedge tips available.


Sure Grip Rolling Knife Sure Grip Rolling Knife

Use this rolling knife to cut food easier. The oversized handle provides a more comfortable grip and less pressure is required to cut your food. Simply roll across food like cutting a pizza.


GT Ergonomic Garden Trowel GT Ergonomic Garden Trowel

Feel the difference when you use these GT Garden Hand Tools. These ergonomically balanced and generously padded hand tools make gardening easier by better positioning your arm to reduce wrist strain, and to use larger muscle groups. Place your forearm through the well-padded loop, and grasp the large comfortable non-slip cushion grip handle. These specialized tools are made in America and are strong and durable, yet weigh less than 20 ounces. The metal tool end is made from strong, heavy 14 gauge steel and coated with a durable polyester. GT Tools are available separately or as a set.


GT Ergonomic Garden Hoe GT Ergonomic Garden Hoe

Feel the difference when you use these GT Garden Hand Tools. These ergonomically balanced and generously padded hand tools make gardening easier by better positioning your arm to reduce wrist strain, and to use larger muscle groups. Place your forearm through the well-padded loop, and grasp the large comfortable non-slip cushion grip handle. These specialized tools are made in America and are strong and durable, yet weigh less than 20 ounces. The metal tool end is made from strong, heavy 14 gauge steel and coated with a durable polyester. GT Tools are available separately or as a set.


GT Ergonomic Garden Rake GT Ergonomic Garden Rake

Feel the difference when you use these GT Garden Hand Tools. These ergonomically balanced and generously padded hand tools make gardening easier by better positioning your arm to reduce wrist strain, and to use larger muscle groups. Place your forearm through the well-padded loop, and grasp the large comfortable non-slip cushion grip handle. These specialized tools are made in America and are strong and durable, yet weigh less than 20 ounces. The metal tool end is made from strong, heavy 14 gauge steel and coated with a durable polyester. GT Tools are available separately or as a set.


GT Ergonomic Garden Tool set GT Ergonomic Garden Tool set

Feel the difference when you use these GT Garden Hand Tools. These ergonomically balanced and generously padded hand tools make gardening easier by better positioning your arm to reduce wrist strain, and to use larger muscle groups. Place your forearm through the well-padded loop, and grasp the large comfortable non-slip cushion grip handle. These specialized tools are made in America and are strong and durable, yet weigh less than 20 ounces. The metal tool end is made from strong, heavy 14 gauge steel and coated with a durable polyester. GT Tools are available separately or as a set.


Tilt a bowl Tilt a bowl

No more lifting heavy cake batters!! Just tilt this bowl by its handle to pour, and lock into position for scraping or spooning. Stainless steel bowl is dishwasher safe. Mounted on aluminum posts and wooden non-skid base.


Rocking T-knife Rocking T-knife

Apply gentle pressure with your whole hand and simply rock back and forth for cutting food. Requires less strength and dexterity than other knives. Made from a large wooden handle and stainless steel single-edge blade 3-1/2 long. Carrying case sold separately to safely transport for use anywhere.


Un-Skru Jar Opener Un-Skru Jar Opener

This jar opener attaches to the underside of any table, counter, cabinet, shelf or bar. No adjustment necessary to open jars, and can be operated with one hand to open any screw on lid from 3/8 to 3 3/8 diameter. Place the top of the jar in the tool, and the gripper holds the lid while you twist the jar open. Constructed of glass-filled nylon with a steel gripper and includes 2 mounting screws ready for installation. Measures 6 x 3 ½ x 5/8.


Multi-Opener Multi-Opener

This practical tool is a necessity for anyone who has difficulty opening soft drink cans, liquid containers, or small bottles. Includes a magnet and a hole for hook hanging for convenient storage options. Has 3 different openers for a variety of items such as screw tops ranging from 5/16 to 1 ¾, ring pulls on soda cans or pet food cans, or flip tops on shampoo and lotion containers.


Boxtopper with Built-Up Handle Boxtopper with Built-Up Handle

This tool is great for people with weak hands who find it difficult to open sealed boxes cereal, rice or frozen foods or detergent. Constructed of tough plastic with a spongy oversized handle. Simply insert tool under box top flap and lift up to the open box with ease.


Door Knob Extension Door Knob Extension

Metal extension handle provides extra leverage so less pressure is needed to turn a doorknob. The lever is 3 long and fits round doorknobs from 1-3/4 to 2-3/4 diameter. A screwdriver is required for installation. 1 or2 per package.


Easy Grip scissors, Round Easy Grip scissors, Round

Lightweight scissors are ideal for people with decreased hand strength. Use your whole hand to gently close these scissors, and the plastic spring opens them automatically. These scissors can be used in either hand and the blades are stainless steel. Also included is a blade protector/hang-up holder. Different styles and sizes available:


Grater with Suction Feet Grater with Suction Feet

This specially designed greater has suction feet to hold the grater securely in place. Comes with a reversible plastic plate for either fine or coarse grating. The attached bin holds the grated food for easy usage and convenient clean up


EZ Spray Handle EZ Spray Handle

This lightweight but sturdy plastic adapter fits most household and personal care aerosol cans. Large handle and adjustable trigger make spraying simple. Easily moved from one can to another. Great for anyone who hates pushing little spray can buttons with painful fingers or arthritic hands.


Featherweight Reacher 26 Featherweight Reacher 26"

Make grasping out of reach objects easier!! Add inches to your arm length allowing you access objects without stretching and bending. These reachers are lightweight, made from aluminum. Operate the trigger using your whole hand, requiring less pressure and ideal for people with limited hand strength. Additional benefits include: The slip resistant ýGripcertý jaws can securely pick up large or small items, includes a magnetic tip for picking up small metal objects (like paper clips), includes clip for storing reacher on walker, wheelchair or bedside rail. Folding reacher folds in half to go anywhere, or for compact storage, and locks securely for use.







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