THE INTERACTION EFFECT BETWEEN ELDERLY AND CHILDREN DURING HORTICULTURAL ACTIVITIES

The percentage of the elderly to the total population of Japan was 19.5% in 2005. Thus, it is important for the Japanese Society that elderly live healthy and active lives.
Horticultural activities have been shown to have positive psychologically and physiologically effects for the elderly.
Furthermore, research indicates that communication during horticulture activities is important for improvement in mental health.
There is interest in integrated care programs at daycare facilities for elderly and children to enhance the effect of horticulture activities.
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of an intergenerational horticulture program for elderly and children on the stress level of the elderly.
Blood pressure and heart rate of the elderly were at healthy levels during the horticulture activities.
There were no significant change pre- to post-activity and there were no difference in activities with or without children.
Results from a written questionnaire indicated that the elderly thought the activities with the children were “very fun.”

XXVII International Horticultural Congress – IHC2006: International Symposium on Horticultural Practices and Therapy for Human Well-Being

M. Sugimoto

horticultural therapy, intergenerational program, stress, heart rate

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2008.775.6