Abstract
BackgroundDue to a rapidly ageing population in the world, it is increasingly pertinent to promote successful ageing strategies which are cost-effective, easily accessible, and more likely to be acceptable to the elderly. Past research associates exposure to natural environments and horticultural therapy (HT) with positive psychological, social and physical health benefits. This Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) is designed to evaluate the efficacy of HT in promoting Asian elderly’ mental health, cognitive functioning and physical health.Methods/design70 elderly participants aged 60 to 85 years old will be randomized to participate in either the active horticultural therapy group or be in the waitlist control. Sessions will be weekly for 12 weeks, and monthly for 3 months. Mental health will be assessed through self-reports of depressive and anxiety symptomatology, life satisfaction, social connectedness and psychological well-being, collaborated with immunological markers. Outcome measures of cognitive functioning and physical health include neuropsychological tests of cognitive function and basic health screening. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 3 months and 6 months post-intervention.DiscussionThis RCT comprehensively investigates the efficacy of a non-invasive intervention, HT, in enhancing mental health, cognitive functioning and physical health. The results have tremendous potential for supporting future successful ageing programs and applicability to larger populations.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT02495194. Trial registration date: July 13, 2015. Retrospectively registered.
Highlights
This Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) comprehensively investigates the efficacy of a non-invasive intervention, horticultural therapy (HT), in enhancing mental health, cognitive functioning and physical health
Protocol compliance and deviation/violation A Note-to-file will be raised in the site investigator file and serious adverse events will be reported to the NUS-IRB. This RCT study has been designed to test the effectiveness of HT in improving the mental, cognitive and physical health of the older adults
Studies have shown that contact with nature has been associated with positive mood and improved sleep quality [13] and HT which allows for engagement with nature has been suggested to mitigate stress and improve mood state [7]
Summary
Past research associates exposure to natural environments and horticultural therapy (HT) with positive psychological, social and physical health benefits. This Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) is designed to evaluate the efficacy of HT in promoting Asian elderly’ mental health, cognitive functioning and physical health. In Singapore, there was a 2.2% increase in the proportion of older persons aged 65 years and above in the recent 5 years [2]. This population has greater mental health risks due to perceived social isolation [3]. Horticultural activities may be a promising intervention in improving mental health
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