RESEARCH

The Effectiveness of Horticultural Therapy on Older Adults: A Systematic Review

This systematic review found evidence for the benefits of horticultural therapy on older adults across various outcomes, but highlights the need for more robust research with stronger study designs to confirm these effects. The results suggest that HT, especially in long-term care settings, shows promise for improving the well-being of older adults.

Program Types: Therapeutic

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

Setting or Context: Assisted Living/Long-Term Care Homes, Low Care/Independent Long-Term Homes, Rehabilitation Centers, Community Gardens

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Improved Cognitive Function, Improved Physical Health, Faster Recovery Times, Decreased Need for Pain Medication, Longevity & Aging Well

Allied Profession Intersections: Recreational Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy

Type of Activity: Sensory Stimulation, Outdoor Gardening, Edible Plant Gardening, Environmental Education, Forest/Natural Area Immersion

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

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

Access: Paid

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Summary

This research paper looks into the scientific evidence supporting whether horticultural therapy (HT), which involves plant-based activities, has positive effects on older adults. The researchers conducted a thorough search for studies published between 2008 and 2018 that examined how HT impacted people aged 60 and over. They looked at various outcomes such as quality of life, anxiety, depression, social connections, physical abilities, and cognitive function. The goal was to get a clear understanding of what the recent research says about the benefits of engaging older adults in activities like gardening.

The review of 20 relevant studies found that there is evidence suggesting that HT can lead to improvements in several areas for older adults, particularly in quality of life, anxiety, depression, social relations, physical effects, and cognitive effects. These positive changes were often seen when comparing participants before and after they took part in HT programs. However, the researchers also noted that many studies lacked strong comparisons between groups of older adults who received HT and those who did not. Therefore, while the findings are promising, the paper concludes that more rigorous research, especially well-designed controlled trials, is needed to firmly establish the effectiveness of HT for older adults.