RESEARCH

Digging for Dementia: Exploring the Experience of Community Gardening from the Perspectives of People with Dementia

The study found that community gardening helps people with dementia express their identities, regain autonomy, and form new social connections based on shared interests rather than their diagnosis. Gardening was shown to empower participants, reduce stigma, and promote well-being through meaningful engagement and social bonding.

Program Types: Therapeutic, Social

Population Groups: Older Adults/Seniors, Dementia/Traumatic & Acquired Brain Injuries

Setting or Context: Community Gardens

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Greater Sense of Purpose, Increased Sense of Belonging (Reduced Isolation), Improved Cognitive Function, Sensory Stimulation, Increased Social Engagement & Skills, Increased Self-Efficacy

Allied Profession Intersections: Occupational Therapy

Type of Activity: Sensory Stimulation, Outdoor Gardening, Edible Plant Gardening, Growing Plants from Seed

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Qualitative Research, Anecdotal Evidence/Testimonials

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Patient-Reported Outcomes

Access: Paid

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Summary

This study explores the experiences of people with dementia participating in a six-week community gardening program at a day center in Glasgow, Scotland. Through interviews and observations, researchers found that gardening helped participants express their identities, regain a sense of agency, and build new social connections. For example, lifelong gardeners like Arthur rediscovered their skills and independence, while others enjoyed sharing knowledge or taking on leadership roles. The collaborative nature of the sessions allowed participants to choose activities, fostering autonomy and freedom often lacking in their daily lives. Additionally, gardening created a new social dynamic among participants, forming bonds based on shared interests rather than their shared diagnosis of dementia.

The findings highlight that gardening is more than just a recreational activity for people with dementia—it provides opportunities for self-expression, empowerment, and community building. Participants demonstrated resistance to stereotypes associated with dementia by defying expectations and showcasing their abilities. The study concludes that gardening can promote well-being by offering meaningful engagement, fostering relational citizenship, and creating spaces for social capital. Future research is recommended to explore larger-scale programs and address barriers like transportation and accessibility.

Link

Noone, S., & Jenkins, N. (2018). Digging for dementia: Exploring the experience of community gardening from the perspectives of people with dementia. Aging Mental Health, 22(7), 881-888.

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