The Many Benefits of Therapeutic Horticulture
Physical and Physiological Benefits
Decreased Sedentary Lifestyle
Many individuals in residential facilities become sedentary, meaning they do not participate in much physical activity. This can lead to increased bodyweight and further health issues (Nakashima et al., 2023). Encouraging participation in horticulture can counteract this.
Physiological Functions
Research shows that simply viewing nature through windows or in pictures can slow heart rate, increase stress recover, and lower blood pressure (Scott et al., 2019).
Studies show that not only is therapeutic horticulture cost effective, but it also reduces morbidity and contributes to better health conditions (Yun et al., 2023).
Performance Skill Improvement
Standing, reaching, manipulating materials, and bending are just some physical actions required to participate in therapeutic horticulture, all while using one's eyes, head, fingers, hands, and feet for complete maneuvering (Yun et al., 2023 & American Occupational Therapy Association, 2020).
An individual's upper extremities are most likely to be impacted with therapeutic horticulture. For older adults, they begin to have difficulty with small, fine motor skills. Participating in activities, such as these, can require low intensity movement that leads to improved function (Leaver et al., 2016).
Studies have shown that in some cases, therapeutic horticulture can improve memory for those with Alzheimer's disease (Murroni et al., 2021)! Results have also shown better concentration and increased mental stimulation for older adults (Scott et al., 2014).
Impact on Cognition
Encouraging Social Participation
Participating in any level of activity with a group, whether it's tending to a full garden or completing a small table-top activity, is going to provide a multitude of social benefits.
Social participation is one of the most sought-after benefits for older adults (Wang et al., 2022). So often individuals living in residential facilities face social isolation and withdraw to their rooms/apartments (Scott et al., 2019 & Bassi et al., 2018). Opportunities to exchange stories, make connections, and share common interests can greatly impact older adults in a meaningful way (Scott et al., 2019).
Enhancing Quality of Life
Older adults that participate in leisure and social occupations, including gardening or nature-based activities have a positive correlation with a higher satisfaction in life (Scott et al., 2014).
Social engagement, productive tasks, and physical exercise are all aspects of participating in nature-based activities and gardening that contribute to successful aging (Scott et al., 2019). Simply seeing new life through flowers and plants can bring a sense of hope to individuals (Leaver et al., 2018).
A systematic review by Wang et al. (2022), measured quality of life among older adults with mild Alzheimer's showed that therapeutic horticulture has the ability to increase quality of life reported by individuals.
Emotional Benefits
Mood & Happiness
Studies have shown that simply arranging flowers and potting personal succulent plants can improve an individual's emotions (Wang et al., 2022). Loneliness and depression have also been shown to decrease in older adults who participate in gardening activities (Chu et al., 2018).
Self-Image
A lower self-image is not often thought of when considering older adults, but it is an issue that many face (Scott et al., 2019). Moving into a residential facility and away from home has been found to significantly correlate with a decline in self confidence (Scott et al., 2019). Incorporating natural elements into activities has been found to enhance self-satisfaction and reduce a sense of purposelessness (Bassi et al., 2018).
Sense of Purpose
Gardening and tending to plants requires daily attention, which in turn, provides older adults with purposeful activity (Scott et al., 2019). With purpose and meaning, older adults can feel encouraged throughout their day and avoid social isolation (Bassi et al., 2018). This can also increase mental stimulation, creativity, and self-esteem (Scott et al., 2019).