Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a horticultural activities program for the community elderly. Methods: The community elderly were invited to participate in a 6-week horticultural activities program. The Intervention groups contained seven participants (3 women and 4 men ; mean age, 69 years). In the participants, demographic data, including age, gender, and experience of horticultural activity were collected, in addition to information relevant to the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), the Activities of Daily Living (ADL-20) scale, quality of life (QOL), and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), before and after the intervention. Results: Regarding QOL, the participants exhibited a significant improvement in “satisfaction with life” after the intervention (P < 0.05). Regarding GDS-15 score, the participants exhibited a significant decrease after the intervention (P < 0.05). ADL-20, and MMSE scores remained unchanged after the intervention in both groups. Conclusions: Participation in horticultural activities reduced depression and increased life satisfaction in elderly residents of the community elderly. However, the number of participants in this study was small, and it was not a randomized controlled trial. Further studies are warranted to completely elucidate the effects of horticultural activities on the psychologic, physical, and cognitive function and QOL of elderly people.
Highlights
Japan is one of the most rapidly aging countries in the world
In health-care settings such as nursing homes and day care centers, “nonpharmacologic” approaches are being introduced to help maintain the mental condition of elderly people with dementia [3]
There is no research that examines the effect of horticultural activities for the community elderly
Summary
Japan is one of the most rapidly aging countries in the world. The proportion of elderly individuals aged 65 years in Japan is currently about 26.7%, and is expected to rise to 30.0% by 2030 and 39.9% by 2060, when l of every 2.5 people will be elderly [1]. Nonpharmacologic therapies include music, reminiscence, art, and reality orientation therapies, and have been shown to improve quality of life (QOL) and prevent disability among elderly people. Among these therapies, horticultural activities encourage interaction between people and plants [4]. Several studies have described the benefits of horticultural activities for elderly people with dementia, which include improvements in psychologic [5], physical [6], social [7], and cognitive [8] function. There is no research that examines the effect of horticultural activities for the community elderly
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