ABSTRACT
AIM: Gardening has long been one of most enjoyable pastimes among older adults. Whether gardening activities contribute to the well-being of older adults is a major question. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to clarify the psychophysiological relaxing effects of gardening activities on older adults living in modern institutional care. METHODS: The study participants were 40 older women aged 79.5 ± 8.09 years (mean ± SD). A cross-over study design was used to investigate the physiological and psychological responses to environments with and without plants. Physiological evaluation was carried out using blood pressure and electroencephalography, and psychological evaluation was carried out using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Semantic Differential method. RESULTS: Blood pressure was significantly lower, and changes in brainwaves were observed. Psychological responses showed that participants were more "comfortable and relaxed" after the plant task than after the control task. In addition, total anxiety levels were significantly lower after carrying out the plant task than after the control task. CONCLUSIONS: Our research suggests that gardening activities might enhance physiological and psychological relaxation in older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1147-1152.
Subject(s)
Frail Elderly/psychology , Gardening/organization & administration , Quality of Life , Relaxation/psychology , Adaptation, Physiological , Adaptation, Psychological , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Analysis of Variance , Blood Pressure Determination/methods , Cross-Over Studies , Electroencephalography/methods , Female , Geriatric Assessment/methods , Humans , Japan , Program Evaluation , Statistics, NonparametricABSTRACT
The French Alzheimer plan anticipates new specialized structures for cognitive rehabilitation and psycho-behavioural therapy of Alzheimer's patients: the cognitive-behavioural units as follow-care units, the units of reinforced hospitalization inside the long term care units and the adapted activities units. this plan indicates the need to make healing gardens integral parts of these units. The benefits of green space in urban environments has been demonstrated with regards to physical, psychological and sociological effects and similarly studies in hospitals have revealed objective and measurable improvements of patients well being. Although green spaces and gardens are available in many French care units, they are rarely specifically adapted to the needs of Alzheimer's patients. For the garden "art, memory and life" a specific concept guided by a neuropsychological approach was developed, complemented by an artistic vision based on cultural invariants. It is already used in the frame of non-pharmacological therapies to improve symptoms such as deambulation, sleep disorders, apathy and aggressive behaviors. Based on the literature, and our experience and research, recommendations for the design of such gardens dedicated to Alzheimer's patients can be proposed. Beyond taking into account obvious aspects relating to security, allowing for free access, a careful design of walk-ways and a conscious choice of plants is needed. A systematic analysis of the existing green spaces or garden must be conducted in order to pinpoint the weakness of the space and identify the potential for developing it into a real healing garden. Evaluation of adapted questionnaires for users and professionals allow to establish a list of requirements combining both user requests and therapeutic needs as basis for the design of the garden as well as to evaluate during the course of the project, whether the needs of the various stakeholders have been met or if adjustments are necessary.
Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease/psychology , Alzheimer Disease/rehabilitation , Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/organization & administration , Gardening/organization & administration , Hospital Units/organization & administration , Mental Healing , Social Environment , Aged , Alzheimer Disease/diagnosis , Combined Modality Therapy , Cooperative Behavior , Environment Design , France , Health Services Needs and Demand/organization & administration , Humans , Interdisciplinary Communication , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
A promoção do bem estar físico-psíquico e espiritual perpassa pelo contato direto com o meio ambiente, entendendo este contato como um potencializador da auto recuperação e até mesmo no autoconhecimento, pois o cuidado com as plantas, nos proporciona compreendermos que também precisamos cuidar de nós mesmos para sobreviver harmonicamente com tudo que está a nossa volta....
Subject(s)
Humans , Gardening , Gardening/methods , Gardening/organization & administration , Gardening/supply & distributionABSTRACT
A promoção do bem estar físico-psíquico e espiritual perpassa pelo contato direto com o meio ambiente, entendendo este contato como um potencializador da auto recuperação e até mesmo no autoconhecimento, pois o cuidado com as plantas, nos proporciona compreendermos que também precisamos cuidar de nós mesmos para sobreviver harmonicamente com tudo que está a nossa volta....(AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Gardening , Gardening/methods , Gardening/organization & administration , Gardening/supply & distributionABSTRACT
Edinburgh has had eight physic gardens on different sites since its first one was created by the Incorporation of Barbers and Surgeons in 1656. As the gardens grew in size, they evolved from herb gardens to botanic gardens with small herbaria for the supply of medical herbs. They were intended for the instruction of medical, surgical and apothecary students and, in the case of the physicians, to demonstrate the need for a physicians' college and a pharmacopoeia. Some of the doctors in charge of them were equally famous and influential in botany as in medicine, and while Edinburgh Town Council enjoyed the fame the gardens brought to the city it was parsimonious and slow to support its botanical pioneers. The gardens are celebrated today in the Sibbald Garden within the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.