Nearly 50 people, aged mostly over 70 from three daycare centres in Singapore, took part in weekly gardening sessions over six months.
The study found they benefited from reduced anxiety, improved cognitive function, healthy sleep patterns and psychological health.
This study provides evidence that structured nature-based programmes play a positive role in maintaining and enhancing the physical and mental health and wellbeing in older populations
Study authors
Sessions took place in a public garden and lasted an hour and went from horticultural activities like growing pea shoots, to creativity with nature such as leaf sketching, before going back to gardening.
The aim of this approach was not only to stimulate the senses, encourage nurturing and provide purpose but also to offer instant gratification and achievement.
Health and psycho-social changes were gauged by assessments of participants before the study started and then at three, six, nine and 12-month intervals after it started.
The report concluded: ‘This study provides evidence that structured nature-based programmes play a positive role in maintaining and enhancing the physical and mental health and wellbeing in older populations.’
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