RESEARCH

Horticulture Therapy Affected the Mental Status, Sleep Quality, and Salivary Markers of Mucosal Immunity in an Elderly Population

After six weeks, participants showed a dramatic increase in IgA (from 101.5 to 612.9 µg/ml) and IgA/total protein ratio (from 34.3 to 202.3 µg/mg), both important markers of mucosal immune strength . They also reported a significant drop in sleep disturbance scores (PSQI reduced from 7.92 to 5.21, p < 0.01), and felt consistently more satisfied, happy, and mentally well after each gardening activity.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Older Adults/Seniors, Dementia/Traumatic & Acquired Brain Injuries, Mental Health Challenges/Trauma

Setting or Context: Assisted Living/Long-Term Care Homes, Residential Programs

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

Allied Profession Intersections: Recreational Therapy, Occupational Therapy

Type of Activity: Sensory Stimulation, Indoor Plant Care, Outdoor Gardening, Edible Plant Gardening, Nature-Based Arts & Crafts

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Quantitative Research

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

Access: Free

Print Form

Summary

This study explored how gardening activities, known as horticultural therapy (HT), could improve the emotional well-being, sleep quality, and immune function of older adults. Twenty-four elderly participants aged 70 to 93 from care homes and day centers in Taiwan took part in a six-week program involving fun, hands-on gardening activities like planting vegetables, designing healing gardens, and making flower baskets. Before and after each session, participants gave saliva samples and filled out questionnaires to measure changes in mood, sleep, and immune health. The study focused on tracking positive feelings and important immune markers like IgA, lactoferrin, and other proteins found in saliva.

The results showed that participants felt significantly happier, more satisfied, and mentally better after each gardening session. Sleep quality also improved over the six weeks. Saliva tests showed boosts in immune-related proteins, suggesting that gardening helped their bodies fight off illness. The program was especially effective even for participants with mild to moderate dementia, making it a promising therapy for aging populations.

Link

Shen, JL., Hung, BL., & Fang, SH. (2022). Horticulture therapy affected the mental status, sleep quality, and salivary markers of mucosal immunity in an elderly population. Sci Rep., 12, 10246.

Other Recommended Research

“Connecting people and the earth”: the occupational experience of people with different capabilities participating in an inclusive horticultural social enterprise

This thesis examines how a gardening-based social enterprise helps people of all abilities by providing meaningful work, social connections, and a sense of belonging. While it highlights the benefits of inclusion and community participation, it also points out challenges like funding and governance that need to be addressed for long-term success.

‘Into the Wild’: A meta-synthesis of talking therapy in natural outdoor spaces

This Meta-synthesis highlights the benefits of holding therapy sessions in nature, which can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance emotional well-being. While outdoor therapy offers unique advantages, such as greater openness and connection with nature, it also requires careful consideration of client suitability and professional training.

‘The nourishing soil of the soul’: The role of horticultural therapy in promoting well-being in community-dwelling people with dementia

Gardening can help people with dementia feel more active, connected, and less lonely by improving their physical and mental well-being. The article highlights the need for more accessible gardening programs in the community to support social engagement and a better quality of life.