title: Indoor gardening older adults: effects on socialization, activities of daily living, and loneliness.
abstract: This study examined the effects of indoor gardening on socialization, activities of daily living (ADLs), and perceptions of loneliness in elderly nursing home residents. A total of 66 residents from two nursing homes participated in this two-phase study. In phase one, experimental group 1 participated once a week for 5 weeks in gardening activities while a control group received a 20-minute visit. While no significant differences were found between groups in socialization or perceptions of loneliness, there were significant pretest-posttest differences within groups on loneliness and guidance, reassurance of worth, social integration, and reliable alliance. The results also demonstrated gardening interventions had a significant effect on three ADLs (transfer, eating, and toileting). Phase two examined differences in the effects of a 5-week versus a 2-week intervention program. Although no significant within-group differences were noted in socialization, loneliness, or ADLs, the 5-week program was more effective in increasing socialization and physical functioning.
authors.affiliation: Department of Adult and Gerontological Health, School of Health Sciences, Georgia College and State University, Milledgeville, USA.
authors.forename: Victoria M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Aimee C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.forename: Marci
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dwozan
authors.forename: Ivey
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Mercer
authors.forename: Kim
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Warren
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology*; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000383:Agriculture; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D005851:Geriatric Nursing / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008132:Loneliness / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016294:Models, Nursing; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009735:Nursing Homes; D011788:Quality of Life; D012951:Socialization; D013997:Time Factors