Population-Specific Considerations in TH: Older Adults

Population-Specific Considerations in TH: Older Adults is a 45-minute mini-course designed as an add-on to our core therapeutic horticulture courses, or as additional learning for trained practitioners. Led by Emilee Weaver, this course explores how therapeutic horticulture practitioners can thoughtfully support older adults ages 65+ through programming that honours dignity, autonomy, safety, comfort, and meaningful contribution.

Learners will explore key physical, sensory, cognitive, emotional, social, spiritual, environmental, and activity-related considerations that may influence participation in later life. The course highlights practical strategies for adapting tools, pacing sessions, reducing fall risk, supporting changing energy levels, accommodating sensory and cognitive differences, and creating environments that reduce confusion, strain, and unnecessary effort.

The course also examines the importance of strengths-based facilitation with older adults, including how to preserve choice, avoid infantilizing support, recognize lived experience, create opportunities for purposeful roles, and support reflection, legacy, intergenerational connection, and meaning-making through plant and nature-based activities.

By the end of this mini-course, practitioners will have a stronger understanding of how to design therapeutic horticulture experiences that meet older adults where they are, while creating space for participation, connection, confidence, and contribution across a wide range of abilities and support needs.