RESEARCH

Association between Gardening Activity and Frailty in Patients with Heart Failure

This paper concludes that engaging in gardening activities is associated with a lower prevalence of frailty and a reduced frailty index in patients with or at risk of heart failure. Specifically, more frequent, longer, and larger-scale gardening activities are associated with a lower prevalence of frailty and a lower frailty index.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Older Adults/Seniors, Chronic/Acute Health Conditions

Setting or Context: Hospitals/Clinics, Urban vs. Rural Settings, Natural Areas/Parks/Forest, Homes/Private Residences

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Increased Sense of Belonging (Reduced Isolation), Improved Stress Management, Improved Physical Health, Better Nutritional Awareness, Longevity & Aging Well, Increased Horticultural Knowledge

Allied Profession Intersections: Nursing

Type of Activity: Indoor Plant Care, Outdoor Gardening, Edible Plant Gardening

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Observational Research, Quantitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Patient-Reported Outcomes, Standardized Assessment Tools, Program Effectiveness

Research Source: Academic Journals

Access: Free

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Summary

This study investigated the relationship between gardening and frailty in patients with heart failure (HF). It found that gardening activities are associated with a lower prevalence of frailty in patients with heart failure. The study showed that more frequent and larger-scale gardening activities helps to decrease measured frality. This suggests that gardening may be a practical alternative to cardiac rehabilitation for HF patients, helping to maintain physical and cognitive function while offering therapeutic relaxation.

Link

Saito M, Kinoshita M, Sumimoto T, et al. (2024). Association between gardening activity and frailty in patients with heart failure. Intern Med., 16

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