RESEARCH

Horticulture Group Therapy with Mentally Ill Older Adults

Horticultural group therapy improves mental health in older adults with severe mental illness, enhancing cognitive function, emotional well-being, and social interaction.
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Summary

A horticultural group therapy program was developed for older adults with severe mental illness, integrating Naomi Feil’s validation therapy to foster emotional expression and connection. The 10-session framework focused on cognitive stimulation, memory recall, self-esteem, and transitioning to home life, using gardening activities to promote engagement. Research highlighted benefits in reducing depression, anxiety, and agitation, particularly among individuals with dementia, psychosis, and chemical dependency.

The therapy also addressed physical limitations by incorporating adaptive tools, raised garden beds, and sensory-focused interventions for participants with mobility impairments. Findings suggest horticultural therapy enhances socialization, cognitive abilities, and overall well-being in institutionalized older adults, providing a non-pharmacological, cost-effective approach to mental health care

Link

Hill, K. J. (2022). Horticulture Group Therapy with Mentally Ill Older Adults. TheScholarsRepository@LLU: Digital Archive of Research, Scholarship & Creative Works.

 

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