RESEARCH

Associations of Time Spent Gardening with Mental Wellbeing and Life Satisfaction in Mid-to-Late Adulthood

This research demonstrated that gardening for at least 2.5 hours a week is associated with better mental wellbeing and life satisfaction, especially for adults 64 years and older. Gardening’s positive effects on mental health hold true, even when considered independently of additional physical activity.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: General Population

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Increased Sense of Belonging (Reduced Isolation), Improved Physical Health

Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening

Evidence Type: Qualitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Longitudinal Studies

Access: Paid

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Summary

The study investigated the relationship between time spent gardening and mental wellbeing and life satisfaction among middle-aged and older adults in Brisbane, Australia. It also assessed if this relationship differed between individuals above or below the average retirement age in Australia. The study found that participants who spent more time gardening reported better mental wellbeing and greater life satisfaction.

This research indicates that longer durations of gardening are associated with improved mental wellbeing and life satisfaction in middle-aged and older adults, with stronger relationships for older adults. The study suggests that gardening for more than two and a half hours per week may have beneficial effects on mental wellbeing and life satisfaction, especially for individuals aged 64 years and older.

Link

Fjaestad, S.L., Mackelprang, J.L., Sugiyama, T. et al. (2023). Associations of time spent gardening with mental wellbeing and life satisfaction in mid-to-late adulthood. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 87, 101993

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