RESEARCH

Nature-Based Interventions Targeting Elderly People’s Health and Well-Being: An Evidence Map

The review found that gardening and horticulture-based therapies were most common in settings for people with mental health problems, while animal assisted therapy was frequently used in hospitals [based on previous turn]. Although the findings were generally positive, the specific impacts varied across the different types of interventions and where they were used.

Program Types: Therapeutic

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

Setting or Context: Urban vs. Rural Settings, Natural Areas/Parks/Forest

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Increased Sense of Belonging (Reduced Isolation), Improved Stress Management, Improved Cognitive Function, Improved Physical Health, Increased Social Engagement & Skills

Allied Profession Intersections: Landscape Design, Forest/Ecotherapy

Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening, Forest/Natural Area Immersion

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Randomized Controlled Trials

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

Access: Free

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Summary

This scoping review looks at how nature-based activities are used in places where people live full-time for care or rehabilitation, such as hospitals, care homes, and prisons. The researchers systematically searched through research articles to find studies on nature activities like gardening, animal therapy, or virtual nature experiences offered in these settings [based on previous turn]. They then examined the study designs, the types of institutions and people involved, the specific nature activity, and the main findings of these studies.

The review identified 85 studies that explored these nature-based interventions. These studies used different ways to measure the impact of these activities on people’s health and well-being. The most common activities studied were gardening and therapeutic horticulture (41 studies), animal-assisted therapies (33 studies), and care farming (8 studies). While the review didn’t combine all the study results together, it generally noted positive effects from these nature-based activities, although the specific benefits varied.

Link

Catissi, G., Gouveia, G., Savieto, RM. et al. (2024). Nature-based interventions targeting elderly people’s health and well-being: An evidence map. Int J Environ Res Public Health., 21(1), 112

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