RESEARCH

Positive Aging Benefits of Home and Community Gardening Activities: Older Adults Report Enhanced Self-Esteem, Productive Endeavours, Social Engagement and Exercise

The study found that restoration benefits were the strongest factor explaining positive perceptions of psychological growth in aging, while physical benefits were the strongest factor for positive perceptions of physical change in aging. Additionally, members of gardening groups reported significantly more social and physical benefits from gardening compared to those who gardened alone.

Program Types: Therapeutic, Social

Population Groups: Older Adults/Seniors

Setting or Context: Community Gardens, Homes/Private Residences

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Greater Sense of Purpose, Increased Sense of Belonging (Reduced Isolation), Improved Stress Management, Increased Social Engagement & Skills, Longevity & Aging Well, Increased Self-Efficacy

Allied Profession Intersections: Social Work

Type of Activity: Indoor Plant Care, Outdoor Gardening, Edible Plant Gardening, Plant Propagation, Greenhouse/Nursery Production

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

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

Access: Free

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Summary

This study in Australia looked at how gardening affects the well-being of older adults. The researchers wanted to know if gardening at home was different from gardening in a community group, and how gardening relates to how people feel about getting older. To do this, they asked 331 gardeners aged 60 to 95 to fill out a survey either online or through the mail. The survey asked about their gardening activities, how they felt about their gardens, their health and quality of life, and their attitudes towards aging. Some of the questions were multiple choice, and some allowed people to write in their own answers about their experiences. The researchers then compared the answers of people who belonged to gardening clubs with those who didn’t.

The survey asked people how often they gardened and what kind of gardening they did, from just looking at plants to more active tasks like weeding and planting. It also included specific questions about the benefits they felt they got from gardening, such as relaxation, feeling more active, or meeting new people. To understand their attitudes about aging, the survey used a standard set of questions that looked at things like how satisfied they were with aging and how they felt about the physical and social changes of getting older. By looking at all the survey responses, the researchers could see patterns and connections between gardening, well-being, and attitudes towards aging.

Link

Scott, T.L., Masser, B.M., & Pachana, N.A. (2020). Positive aging benefits of home and community gardening activities: Older adults report enhanced self-esteem, productive endeavours, social engagement and exercise. SAGE Open Medicine, 22, 8

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