A STUDY ON INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS OF DEMENTED ELDERS THROUGH THERAPEUTIC HORTICULTURAL ACTIVITIES OF BUDDY SYSTEM

The purpose of this research was to investigate the influence of horticultural therapy (HT) applied with the buddy system, on interpersonal relationships of demented elders.
During the period of this research, the buddy system consisted of a pair of the same or different sexes, on the therapeutic horticultural activities.
The results were as follows: 1) Interpersonal relations between the demented elders had a considerable influence on the psychological condition of these patients; 2) The group with the buddy system was more active and positive than the rest of the demented elders; and 3) In particular, the groups with the other sex had more effective results than those of the same sex, on human relationships and communication ability.
In conclusion, the study shows that HT can improve psychological sociality of its participants.
In particular, therapeutic horticultural activities involving the buddy system could be the most important factor on Therapeutic Horticultural Activities.

VIII International People-Plant Symposium on Exploring Therapeutic Powers of Flowers, Greenery and Nature

K.H. Han, S.M. Lee, H.S. Kim, J.K. Suh

demented elders, horticultural therapy, interpersonal relations

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2008.790.18