Dragon Wang, the founder of “Farmers’ Joy,” will be the keynote speaker at the “2024 Senior Living Expo,” where he will discuss “Joyful Gardening for Seniors.” He aims to share user-friendly and rewarding gardening techniques that emphasize a human-centered approach. Wang believes that gardening can alleviate stress by stimulating the senses, promoting brain and physical activity, and reducing the likelihood of chronic illnesses. Additionally, it helps maintain clarity of mind, stabilize emotions, and foster social skills.
Graduating from National Taipei University of Technology with a degree in management, Wang is a seasoned design engineer in Silicon Valley. He has always yearned for a pastoral lifestyle, but growing up in urban Taiwan, he lacked the opportunity to cultivate plants. After settling in the U.S., he finally got a piece of land in his backyard, paired with the Bay Area’s fertile soil and pleasant climate, enabling him to fulfill his childhood dream.
Wang describes himself as “an agricultural explorer without a formal agricultural background.” As he began planting, he connected with like-minded individuals online. However, he noticed that many organizations charged fees for gardening activities, which could turn a passion into a burden for those with limited financial means. This realization led him to establish “Farmers’ Joy,” providing a free platform for Bay Area residents interested in gardening to share insights and exchange seeds, seedlings, or fruits through a barter system. Over the past ten years, the community has grown to include over 8,000 members on Facebook.
The upcoming seminar will be specifically tailored for gardening enthusiasts among seniors. Wang plans to cover topics such as how to assess personal limits to avoid injuries, effectively use tools and resources, and implement easy and efficient gardening methods. He will also discuss ways to plan gardening activities that promote health, fitness, and social interaction, enriching seniors’ lives.
Wang emphasizes that gardening offers numerous benefits for older adults, including reduced risks of chronic diseases, improved mental clarity, emotional stability, and enhanced social skills. As individuals age and become less active after retirement, physical and cognitive capabilities can decline. Engaging in gardening tasks not only increases physical activity but also requires mental effort for planning garden layouts, sourcing materials, and finding resources.
Furthermore, through the exchange platform provided by “Farmers’ Joy,” participants can meet diverse individuals and form genuine friendships. Wang notes, “The community reflects society. In the exchange process, you can observe a person’s character and desires. Such insights typically take much longer to reveal in everyday interactions.”
At the expo, “Farmers’ Joy” will also share a variety of seedlings, cuttings, and seeds. Seniors attending can visit the booth to learn more about growing beautiful plants and vegetables.
