Abstract

Objective: We examined the effects of a horticultural activities program on the psychologic, physical, and cognitive function and quality of life in elderly residents of nursing homes.

Methods: In this noncontrolled trial, elderly residents of nursing homes were invited to participate in a 6-week horticultural activities program (Intervention Group). A Control Group of age- and sexmatched elderly people received regular care without the 6-week horticultural activities program. Both the Intervention and Control groups contained nine participants (7 women and 2 men each; mean age, 85 and 82 years, respectively). In both groups, demographic data, including age, gender, and experience of horticultural activity were collected, in addition to information relevant to the Vitality Index (VI), 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 Intervention Group exhibited a significant improvement in “satisfaction with life” after the intervention compared with the Control Group (P < 0.05). Regarding GDS-15 score, the Intervention Group exhibited a significant decrease after the intervention compared with the Control Group (P < 0.05). VI, ADL-20, and MMSE scores remained unchanged after the intervention in both groups.

Conclusion: Participation in horticultural activities reduced depression and increased life satisfaction in elderly residents of nursing homes. 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.