Application of horticulture therapy as a health intervention for elderly people in nursing homes: a scoping review†

Abstract

Abstract Objective To review the scope of interventional studies on horticultural therapy (HT) applied to elderly people in nursing institutions to support the efficient implementation of HT among this target group. Methods In accordance with the scoping review framework proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI), the PubMed, JSTOR, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang databases were searched. Data from the retrieved literature were summarized and analyzed. Results In all, 18 studies were included in this review. The target population groups of interventions included self-supporting elderly people, cognitively impaired elderly people, elderly people with negative emotions, and elderly people with frailty living in nursing institutions. HT interventions, including planting, craft activities, derivative activities, and outdoor viewing activities, are implemented indoors, outdoors, or in mixed settings. The most common duration of the intervention was 8 weeks, the most common frequency was once per week, and the most common session duration was 60 min. Conclusions The measurements used in HT interventions included assessments of physical, psycho-mental, and social health; quality of life; and activity effects. Future studies should include partially dependent groups and completely dependent groups of elderly individuals, interventions that last at least 6 months, scientifically designed activity intensity and safety-guarantee plans, and outcome-evaluation indicators such as compliance and intervention benefits.