4 Things I Changed About Yardwork After I Turned 50

Senior man smiling as he pushes a wagon full of flowers.

You know how they say, “you’ll figure it out as you get older”? Well, when it comes to yardwork, I can tell you that’s absolutely true.

I used to be that guy who thought I could just power through anything, running around in the garden like I was still 25. But after hitting 50, my body had other plans. Knees started creaking, back started aching, and I quickly realized that I couldn’t treat my body like a superhero anymore. So, I made some changes. And let me tell you, they’ve made all the difference.


1. I Started Using Better Tools 🛠️

When I was younger, I didn’t think twice about using whatever tools I had on hand — even if they were old, heavy, or uncomfortable. But after I hit 50, I realized that the right tools can actually save my body from unnecessary strain.

For example, I swapped out my old, clunky shovel for a lightweight one with an ergonomic handle. My back and arms immediately thanked me. I also invested in a good pair of garden gloves with extra padding (no more blisters!). And don’t even get me started on my new rake — it’s so much easier on my wrists and shoulders.

Trust me, investing in the right gear isn’t just about comfort; it’s about being able to keep working in the garden without feeling like you’ve run a marathon after 30 minutes.


2. I Take More Breaks 🌞

Before I hit 50, I used to dive into yardwork without hesitation. I’d spend hours pulling weeds, planting, and mowing until I could barely move. But as the years have gone by, I’ve realized that pacing myself is key to not feeling wiped out afterward.

Now, I set a timer for myself every 30 minutes to take a 5–10-minute break. It’s not much, but those little pauses are enough to rest my legs, grab a drink, and let my body recover before jumping back into the work.

Bonus:I find I’m way more productive when I don’t push myself to exhaustion. So don’t be afraid to give yourself a breather!


3. I Work Smarter, Not Harder 💡

I’ve learned that yardwork isn’t about brute force — it’s about working smarter. For example, instead of kneeling on the ground for hours, I now use a kneeling pad (or, better yet, a garden stool) to keep my knees happy. I also use a wheelbarrow to move heavy materials instead of carrying them by hand.

Another game-changer? Taking advantage of power tools! I used to avoid them, thinking they were too complicated or expensive. But once I got a cordless trimmer and leaf blower, I realized how much easier they made my life. I get the same results, but without the back strain or fatigue.


4. I Focus More on Flexibility and Recovery 🧘

This is one I didn’t think I’d need to focus on until I started feeling stiff and sore in places I didn’t even know existed. After turning 50, I’ve made it a priority to stretch before and after working in the yard. It’s a simple thing, but it makes a huge difference in how my body feels the next day.

I’ve also started adding some low-impact exercises (like walking or yoga) into my routine. This helps keep my muscles and joints flexible and ready for the next round of yardwork.

Stretching isn’t just for athletes — it’s for anyone who wants to keep doing the things they love, like gardening, without feeling like their body is falling apart afterward.


Got any of your own tips?

Getting older doesn’t mean you have to give up the things you love — it just means being a little more mindful about how you go about them.

And hey, if you’ve got any tips of your own for making yardwork easier, I’d love to hear them! Drop me a message and share your wisdom. We’re all in this together. 😉

— Mark


Leave a comment