There must be an easier way

Yes, a man!

There are several tools, mainly electric or powered by battery that can make this hedge trimming task a little less ominous, but believe me, at the end of the day it really is just hard work and time consuming.
But the beauty is then,when in the eye of the beholder they stand well back,enjoying their effort and patting themselves on the back for a job well done.
A well trimmed hedge adds to the "finished" look of any garden,frontage or whatever.

Having planted more than one of these lengthy demanding hedges in my time............leylandii and laurel.......I realised there is really no easy way or answer..........save hire a Gardener!

But the finished satisfaction.............and having earned a good sit down with a nice glass of......whatever.......should help too!

As Charleygirl says!

If it is financially possible you could try employing a gardener and then you could save your energies for the twiddly bits you enjoy.

The OP said she was trimming edges, I hope no one is planning to trim hedges at present as the birds may abandon their nests!

I bought a rechargeable strimmer last year to do the lawn edges. Best thing ever! Only takes about 10 minutes (average sized lawn) and NO bending!

I also bought a rechargeable lawn mower, which while heavier than the old push mower, does a wonderful job on the lawn, with much less effort.

H always uses a strimmer in his edges

I use the garden strimmer for the edges. Works a treat

Not into ‘finished’ look to hedges, but do confess to liking edges neatened.

So far it’s been a trowel and scissors. A rechargeable strimmer sounds like it would be an investment.

You can buy electric hand held edging shears. Should make things easier for you. We strim ours, but if they get too untidy, I go at them with an edging tool. I’m hoping if I cut enough off, the lawn will eventually disappear altogether! Job done!

A neighbour (frail and aged nearly 90) uses one of these. If you don't want to go down the powered tool route, she uses it against the path which keeps it sharp.
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-Pro-Garden-Lawn-Edger-Landscaping-Grass-Border-Edging-Gardening-Tools/232324015815?epid=841822919&hash=item36179726c7:g:tFEAAOSwEmFaoKnP

Thank you all shysal , this looks just the ticket Thanks again