Older adult life in residential facilities
According to WHO, or the World Health Organization, maintaining health in older adults should focus on quality of life and activities of daily living, not simply illness and diseases (Yun et al., 2023).
When older adults move into residential facilities, they have decreased social interactions with their family and the community. This often results in depression and anxiety due to social isolation (Yun et al., 2023).
Staying involved in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and important leisure occupations is essential for people who are making major transitions in life, such as moving into a new home or place of residence (Leaver et al., 2018). With a loss of autonomous function and unattainable environmental accommodations, it can be difficult and prevent elderly from continuing purposeful occupations (Bassi et al., 2018).
Therapeutic horticulture and occupational therapy both look at a person's needs and goals holistically. This means that we look for all aspects of what make someone who they are, including their physical, cognitive, social, and emotional well-being (Wang et al., 2022).
Both horticulture therapists and occupational therapists work on building and producing interventions for their patients/clients that direct them towards their goals (Armstrong et al., 2023).
Examples of goals that this program can focus on include improving bilateral grip strength, recalling and performing steps, increasing shoulder flexion, developing standing endurance, and increasing fine motor control, all while participating in nature-based activities (Petencin et al., 2016).
Tying together occupational therapy & therapeutic horticulture
Podcasts
Episode - "The Power of Therapeutic Horticulture"
"Growing Joy with Plants" Podcast
by Maria Failla
Episode -> The Power of Therapeutic Horticulture
Exploring therapeutic horticulture with expert horticultural therapist Hilda Krus who has been practicing for over two decades.
YouTube Videos
Books/Literature
Dementia Green Care Handbook of Therapeutic Design and Practice
by Garuth Chalfont and Alex Walker
Throughout this read, you will learn about the importance of nature and social engagement for individual's with dementia. It covers sensory stimulation, agility and balance, mood and sleep, and so much more.
Therapeutic Horticulture: A Practitioner's Perspective
by Lesley Fleming, HTR
A collection of essays that provide insight into therapeutic horticulture for individuals with dementia, autism, eating disorders, and other populations. This read will provide information on healthy outcomes from participating in nature-based programming.
Horticultural Therapy and the Older Adult Population
by Suzanne Wells
A guidebook for using horticulture therapy with older adults. This book covers program design, literature reviews, and research that includes chapters on program descriptions, effectiveness, and garden design.
Generations Gardening Together: Sourcebook for Intergenerational Therapeutic Horticulture
by Mary Hockenberry Meyer and Jean M. Larson
This book is a practical guide for therapeutic gardening programs with a 6 week step-by-step curriculum that focuses on activities that are functional and beneficial that teach responsibility, patience, and nurturing.
Evidence-Based Research
Effects of Horticultural Therapy on Health in the Elderly: A Review and Meta-Analysis
This literature review analyzes 32 published articles in order to determine the benefits of horticultural therapy for physical and psychological functioning in the older adult population. Results showed that horticultural therapy can help older adults lose weight, improve social interaction, and lower stress.
Systematic Review on the Positive Mental Health Impact of Older Adults Participation in Horticultural Activities in Long Term Care Facilities
by Ruo-Nan Jueng, Chien-Yau Lin, and Yu-Chang Huang
This study discusses evidence-based research that focus on the effects of horticultural activities on residents of long-term care facilities. Results showed that the activities had positive effects on physical abilities, such as increasing aerobic endurance and physical agility.
Nature‑Based Activities Improve The Well‑being of Older Adults
by Angelia Sia, Wilson Tam, Anna Fogel, EeHeok Kua, Kenneth Khoo, & Roger Ho
This study looked into the effects of a 24 session therapeutic horticulture program for 47 older adult participants with a pretest and posttest design. Participants maintained healthy sleep patterns and psychological health through the program and demonstrated reduced anxiety as well as improved cognitive functioning
Horticultural Therapy Impact on People With Dementia
by Adi Vitman-Schorr, Moran Chen, Ayelet Naveh, Tamar Hirshenzon Peiper, Orly Ganany Dagan
This research explored the emotional and social results of older adults in a 10 week horticultural therapy activity program. Participants included 51 older adults with dementia. Results showed improved communication, mood, and behavior compared to participating in other activities.
Adaptive Gardening Tips
Mobility Limitations
Use narrow raised beds for easy access to all areas of the garden/outdoor space.
Long-handled tools work best for those with limited hand and arm movement.
If working at a table, use non-slip mats to keep equipment or tidy trays from moving.
Never overstretch while working! This can put strains on the back and arms. Have raised beds that are accessible from all sides.
Garden at your own speed! Take breaks when needed.
(Gardening from a Wheelchair, 2025)
Arthritis
If there is difficulty bending to work in a garden, use raised beds or place planters on tables to reduce stress on the knees.
Use built-up grip hand tools for less strain or long-handled tools that allow work to be done in standing. Attachments can be added to lengthen tool handles for leverage.
Use the palm of your hand to lift objects rather than your fingers for less pain.
Practice good posture when working and change positions often.
Take frequent breaks to allow time for your joints to rest.
Dementia
Have garden in enclosed space to prevent wandering.
Provide easy access pathways to prevent tripping.
Provide seating nearby that is out of the sun for taking breaks.
Use non-toxic, thornless plants to prevent injury.
Have gloves to protect hands.
Use bright colored gardening tools for easier identification.
Avoid using sharp gardening tools that could lead to injury.
(Kelly-Barton, 2023)
(Arthritis Foundation, n.d.)
Adaptive Gardening Tools
Below is a list of gardening tools that can be utilized by individuals with limited strength, mobility, and dexterity.
EasiGrip Garden Tools
These tools offer better hand and wrist positioning for those with limited strength and muscle control.
Bionic Relief Grip Garden Gloves
These gloves have strategically positioned pads that even-out the surface of one's hand for a comfortable, secure grip.
Radius Garden Tool
The curved grip of this tool matches the curve of one's palm, providing a neutral position that maximizes and comfort while minimizing wrist and hand stress.
Ergonomic Garden Clippers
This type of garden clipper provides an easy-to-grip design for those with diminished hand grip or reduced dexterity so they can easily hold and use the tool.
Arthritis Faucet Grip
This attaches to an outdoor faucet that gives a firm grip with extra leverage to easily turn and loosen the faucet.
Claw Gardening Gloves
Although they look strange, these gloves allow for ease of digging and weeding without the need for gripping a tool.