RESEARCH

Adapting Horticultural Therapy as Fall Prevention Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Horticultural therapy, involving gardening activities, can be adapted as physical exercise to prevent falls in older adults. This study suggests that horticultural therapy could be a more engaging alternative to traditional programs like the Otago Exercise Program, which often suffer from poor retention rates, while still providing similar fall prevention benefits.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Older Adults/Seniors

Setting or Context: Low Care/Independent Long-Term Homes

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Physical Health, Improved Balance

Allied Profession Intersections: Physical Therapy

Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening

Evidence Type: Book or Book Chapters

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Physical Health

Access: Free

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Summary

This article explores adapting horticultural therapy and gardening activities as physical exercise to reduce fall risk among community-dwelling older adults. It addresses research questions about evidence-based fall prevention programs, their effectiveness, and how horticultural therapy can be adapted for elderly fall prevention. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify relevant articles. Keywords related to seniors, fall prevention, therapy, community, gardening, and horticulture were used.

The review highlights that physical therapy, particularly the Otago Exercise Program, effectively reduces fall risk, but suffers from poor retention rates. Horticultural therapy is a high-motivation alternative that can sustain participant engagement in physical exercises. Studies suggest that gardening activities are associated with reduced fall rates, making horticultural therapy a promising approach for geriatric fall prevention. The article suggests that horticultural therapists can use the RE-AIM framework to evaluate and ensure the adoption of horticultural therapy in the community.

Link

Monateclaro, C. (2022). Adapting horticultural therapy as fall prevention among community-dwelling older adults. Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture, 32(1), 1-12.

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