RESEARCH

Effects of Horticultural Therapy on Health in the Elderly: A Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis examine the effects of horticultural therapy on the physical, mental, and social health of older adults, analyzing 32 studies to assess its impact on well-being.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Older Adults/Seniors, Mental Health Challenges/Trauma

Setting or Context: Rehabilitation Centers, Community Gardens, Residential Programs

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Improved Cognitive Function, Improved Physical Health, Longevity & Aging Well

Allied Profession Intersections: Occupational Therapy, Social Work

Type of Activity: Indoor Plant Care, Outdoor Gardening, Environmental Education

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Meta-Analyses/Systematic Reviews, Randomized Controlled Trials

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Program Effectiveness

Access: Free

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Summary

The study evaluates the effectiveness of horticultural therapy (HT) for older adults by reviewing data from 32 studies and conducting a meta-analysis of 27 health-related variables. Results indicate that HT significantly reduces stress and cortisol levels, improves physical flexibility, promotes social interaction, and increases fruit and vegetable consumption. Additionally, it may help with weight management and waist circumference reduction, supporting its role in promoting a healthier lifestyle for aging populations. However, variations in study quality and methodology highlight the need for further high-quality trials with rigorous controls.

Findings confirm that HT enhances mental well-being, fostering a sense of purpose, social engagement, and psychological stability among older adults. While evidence supports its benefits, heterogeneity in study designs and outcome measures limits definitive conclusions. The study calls for standardized research approaches and larger sample sizes to better understand the long-term impact of gardening interventions on elderly health

Link

Yun, J., Yao, W., Meng, T., & Mu, Z. (2023). Effects of horticultural therapy on health in the elderly: A review and meta-analysis. Journal of Public Health, 32(10), 1905–1931

Notes/Suggestions

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6. Wendy D, Mallory GC, Alan B, Andrew DF, Kerry PS, Julie L, Harvey J, Yuko T, Michael D, Rishabh K, Jennifer FDLS (2018) Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Home Vegetable Gardening Intervention among Older Cancer Survivors Shows Feasibility, Satisfaction, and Promise in Improving Vegetable and Fruit Consumption, Reassurance of Worth, and the Trajectory of Central Adiposity. J Acad Nutr Dietetics 118(4):689–704. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2017.11.001
7. Bail JR, Fruge AD, Cases MG, De Los SJ, Locher JL, Smith KP, Demark-Wahnefried W (2018) A home-based mentored vegetable gardening intervention demonstrates feasibility and improvements in physical activity and performance among breast cancer survivors. Cancer 124(16):3427–3435. https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.31559
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17. Christina MG, Shannon EJ (2005) Effects of Horticulture Therapy on Engagement and Affect. Can J Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement 24(4):367–377. https://doi.org/10.1353/cja.2006.0008
18. Jarrott SE, Gigliotti CM (2010) Comparing responses to horticultural-based and traditional activities in dementia care programs. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 25(8):657–665. https://doi.org/10.1177/1533317510385810
19. Mochizuki Kawai H, Sakaba T, Yamakawa Y (2021) Indoor horticultural therapy for older adults living in a nursing home: Bedside structured floral arrangement program. Geriatrics Gerontol Int 21(6):538–539. https://doi.org/10.1111/ggi.14155
20. Yuka K (2013) The Psychological Changes of Horticultural Therapy Intervention for Elderly Women of Earthquake-Related Areas. J Trauma Treatment 3(1):1–6. https://doi.org/10.4172/2167-1222.1000184
21. Tse MMY (2010) Therapeutic effects of an indoor gardening programme for older people living in nursing homes. J Clin Nurs 19(7-8):949–958. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2702.2009.02803.x
22. Pedrinolla A, Tamburin S, Brasioli A, Sollima A, Fonte C, Muti E, Smania N, Schena F, Venturelli M (2019) An Indoor Therapeutic Garden for Behavioral Symptoms in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Alzheimer’s Disease : JAD 71(3):813–823. https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-190394
23. Claudia KYL, Rick YCK, Shirley KLL, Connie YYF, Jordan KHL, Mimi MYT (2018) Effects of Horticulture on Frail and Prefrail Nursing Home Residents: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Am Med Directors Assoc 19(8):696–702. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2018.04.002
24. Wendy D, Mallory GC, Alan B, Andrew DF, Kerry PS, Julie L, Harvey J, Yuko T, Michael D, Rishabh K, Jennifer FDLS (2018) Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Home Vegetable Gardening Intervention among Older Cancer Survivors Shows Feasibility, Satisfaction, and Promise in Improving Vegetable and Fruit Consumption, Reassurance of Worth, and the Trajectory of Central Adiposity. J Acad Nutr Dietetics 118(4):689–704. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2017.11.001
25. Bail JR, Fruge AD, Cases MG, De Los SJ, Locher JL, Smith KP, Demark-Wahnefried W (2018) A home-based mentored vegetable gardening intervention demonstrates feasibility and improvements in physical activity and performance among breast cancer survivors. Cancer 124(16):3427–3435. https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.31559

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