[Zippy]

The potential contribution of allotment gardens to a healthy and active lifestyle is increasingly recognised, especially for elderly populations. However, few studies have empirically examined the beneficial effects of allotment gardening.

In this Dutch study, the health, well-being and physical activity of older and younger allotment gardeners was compared to that of controls without an allotment.

http://www.ehjournal.net/content/9/1/74

[JayG]

Amazing!
Thousands of words on allotment activity without a single mention of the words "dig" or "digging"!   

(Sorry Zippy; couldn't resist!)    

[Aunt Sally]

It's the exercise that keeps them all fit so I'd sure the fittest ones dig for victory fitness

[andy135]

..................and healthier eating. 

[Zippy]

ahh - its all that bending and stretching forking compost onto their no-dig, no walking beds that gives 'em the exercise! 

[Thrift]

I wonder what was the cost of that study ......... We could have told them that!!

[bigben]

A study on the benefits of growing stuff - does that mean the author is a man out-standing in his field?

[Zippy]

Above all - beetroot to yourself.

[Paul Plots]

ahh - its all that bending and stretching forking compost onto their no-dig, no walking beds that gives 'em the exercise! 

Healthy eating, lots and lots of (mind worms!!) digging, relaxing and feeling positive.... that's what helps.

It's the positive thinking - "I'm positive I'm fed up with....... pigeons, foxes, the weather, rain, drought, too much cold, sun, parsnips..."

Seriously though: Of course 'lotmenting is good for a body and soul - escape to freedom, be your own boss, breathe easy, lower the anxiety levels and do a bit of solid exercise at your own pace. 

(Sorry but I didn't read the whole report - it was just a little too bit much hard like work!) 

[Paul Plots]

Above all - beetroot to yourself.

Oh help.... I've only just got the joke!! 

As I love beetroot for its sweetness I thought the comment was serious!! 
Soume mothers do 'ave 'em!!"  :blink:

[Thrift]

Just realised ....... it has to be Worzel who wrote that report! What do you think Aunt Sally? 

[JamPan]

Above all - beetroot to yourself.

Oh, that's right. Turn it into an artichoke!!