Indoor gardening older adults: effects on socialization, activities of daily living, and loneliness.
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.
Brown
Victoria M
VM
Department of Adult and Gerontological Health, School of Health Sciences, Georgia College and State University, Milledgeville, USA.
Allen
Aimee C
AC
Dwozan
Marci
M
Mercer
Ivey
I
Warren
Kim
K
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