Citation

Heliker D, Chadwick A, O'Connell T. Activ. Adapt. Aging 2001; 24(3): 35-56.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J016v24n03_03

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This pilot pre- and post-test study sought to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of horticulture therapy and the perceived meaning and outcome on well being of a structured gardening intervention on two groups of elders in two culturally diverse settings. The total sample of 24 volunteers (age range 63-90) participated in a three month gardening project. The personal meaning framework and the instrumentation developed based on that framework was utilized (Reker, Peacock, & Wong, 1987; Reker & Wong, 1988, 1984). Paired t-tests demonstrated a significant improvement in psychological well being (p < .000). Content analysis of a semi-structured interview elicited the meaning of gardening. Themes that emerged included Legacy of Gardening, Gardening as Spiritual Healing and Therapy, and Remembering a Favorite Tree. The results of this study suggest that the psychological and spiritual benefits of gardening for older adults transcend socioeconomic, educational and cultural boundaries and is a cost-effective therapeutic option.