Effects of types of horticultural activity on the physical and mental state of elderly individuals
Journal
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Journal Volume
17
Journal Issue
14
Pages
1-13
Date Issued
2020
Author(s)
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of types of horticultural activities among elderly individuals in a senior citizen learning camp. We arranged four horticultural activities: Grass Doll, Kokedama, Rocky Leaf Prints, and Herb Tasting and Smelling. Twenty-seven senior citizens (60 to 76 years) were recruited to participate. We assessed their physiological and mental state before and after the activities by measuring heart rate variability (HRV), pulse rate, blood pressure, salivary amylase activity (SAA), and Profile of Mood States (POMS). Results showed that SAA was significantly lower after the Rocky Leaf Prints, Herb Tasting and Smelling, and Kokedama. Pulse rate had a downward trend after the four horticultural activities. The ratio of low frequency (LF) over high frequency (HF) results showed that the Rocky Leaf Prints had a larger downward trend, followed by Herb Tasting and Smelling. POMS scores indicated significant improvement for Rocky Leaf Prints and Herb Tasting and Smelling. The types including artistic creation and food tasting were promising methods for psychological relaxation, stress reduction, and vigor enhancement for elderly persons. Findings showed that the impact of activities involving contact with plants was more significant in short-term activities. We hope this study can help plan the horticultural activities of the elderly in the future. ? 2020 by the authors.
Subjects
Delay aging; Elderly; Healthy aging; Healthy horticulture; Heart rate variability; Profile of Mood States; Salivary amylase activity
Other Subjects
amylase; alpha amylase saliva isoenzyme; cardiovascular system; elderly population; health impact; horticulture; mental health; physical activity; saliva; adult; aged; Article; diastolic blood pressure; enzyme activity; heart rate variability; horticulture; human; mental health; middle aged; physiology; Profile of Mood States; pulse rate; relaxation training; stress management; systolic blood pressure; Taiwan; blood pressure; heart rate; horticultural therapy; leisure; mental health; metabolism; plant; procedures; psychology; Aged; Blood Pressure; Heart Rate; Horticultural Therapy; Humans; Mental Health; Plants; Relaxation; Salivary alpha-Amylases
Type
journal article