Abstract
The aim of the present study was to examine whether the association between self-rated health and social exclusion can be moderated by the frequency of gardening in the total sample and stratified by sex. Cross-sectional data employed in this study came from the fifth wave of the German Ageing Survey (n = 5048), a nationally representative sample comprising non-institutionalized individuals aged 40 and above. A single-item measure was used to quantify self-rated health (ranging from 1 = very good to 5 = very bad). An established scale developed by Bude and Lantermann was used to assess social exclusion. Moreover, individuals reported the frequency of work in the garden (daily; several times a week; once a week; 1-3 times a month; less often; never). Poorer self-rated health was associated with feelings of social exclusion. The frequency of gardening significantly moderated the association between these factors in women. This cross-sectional study emphasizes the moderating role of gardening in the relation between self-rated health and social exclusion in women. Longitudinal studies are required to validate the present findings.
Highlights
Self-rated health usually refers to the absence of ill-health
The association between poor self-rated health and social exclusion might be explained by the fact that individuals suffering from bad self-rated health might feel unable to engage in typical activities of daily living [4]
Some studies exist based on individuals engaged in allotment gardening. In contrast to these studies, our aim was to examine whether the association between self-rated health and social exclusion can be moderated by the frequency of gardening in the total sample and stratified by sex based on a nationally representative sample of non-institutionalized individuals ≥40 years
Summary
Self-rated health usually refers to the absence of ill-health (and is associated with life situation, fitness, health behavior and personal experiences). The association between poor self-rated health and social exclusion might be explained by the fact that individuals suffering from bad self-rated health might feel unable to engage in typical activities of daily living (e.g., leisure activities performed outdoor) [4]. Those individuals might compare with other individuals who are better off (in terms of health). The (i) inability to engage in activities of daily living and (ii) negative health comparisons might lead to negative emotions such as frustration or anger or to feelings that one does not belong to the society These factors might lead to feelings of social exclusion [4,5]. It becomes more likely that individuals become more socially excluded for various reasons (e.g., functional impairment, or loss of the spouse), highlighting the importance of social exclusion in late life [6]
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