RESEARCH

We Share and We Grow Together: Application of Social and Therapeutic Horticulture By Occupational Therapy Students

The application of social and therapeutic horticulture in Singapore has shown positive impacts on mental and physical health, fostering social inclusion and improving well-being through gardening activities. Initiatives like the Therapeutic Garden at HortPark demonstrate how public spaces can be designed to provide restorative environments, enhancing mental health and serving as a model for future therapeutic gardens.
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Summary

This article discusses the use of social and therapeutic horticulture (STH) in Singapore, particularly in the context of occupational therapy. STH involves using gardening activities to promote health and well-being. In Singapore, occupational therapy students at Nanyang Polytechnic learn about STH as part of their curriculum, which includes hands-on experience in the Occupational Therapy Garden. This training equips them to use gardening as a therapeutic tool for patients with various health issues, including physical disabilities and mental health conditions. The benefits of STH include increased social interaction, physical activity, and self-esteem, as well as improved cognitive abilities.

In Singapore, initiatives like the Therapeutic Garden at HortPark have been established to provide a public space for mental well-being improvement. This garden is designed based on principles from environmental psychology and includes features like a restorative zone and an activities zone. The activities zone offers gardening opportunities tailored for seniors and individuals with disabilities, promoting their health and mental well-being. Such gardens serve as models for future therapeutic spaces, aiming to enhance the quality of life for all visitors, including those with conditions like dementia.

Link

Tan, H. L. & Lim, G. H. (2017). We Share and We Grow Together: Application of Social and Therapeutic Horticulture By Occupational Therapy Students. City Green, (13), 30-32.

 

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