Growing Minds: Evaluating the Effect of Gardening On Quality of Life In Older Adults

Older adults represent a growing part of the population of the United Sates. Due to decreased physical activity, dietary changes, and alterations in metabolic rate this population is susceptible to a decrease in quality of life, especially when related to health. The Nutrition and Life Satisfaction Survey was used to investigate gardening as a possible preventative health intervention for older adults. The Life Satisfaction Inventory A (LSIA) compared older (age 50+) gardeners and nongardeners perceptions of personal life satisfaction. The LSIA measures five components of quality of life: zest for life, resolution and fortitude, congruence between desired and achieved goals, high physical, psychological, and social self-concept, and a happy optimistic mood tone. This questionnaire was developed by Neugarten in 1961, and is known to be a valid and reliable instrument. The survey was posted online as a part of the Aggie Horticulture website in the spring of 2005. Respondents differentiated themselves as gardeners or nongardeners by responding positively or negatively to the question “Do you garden?” Overall quality of life scores were higher for gardeners when compared to nongardeners, and four individual quality of life statements demonstrated significantly more positive answers for gardeners. Personal reports of physical activity were significantly higher among gardeners and gardeners reported a more positive perception of personal health. Evaluation of these results indicates that gardening programs can be used to assist older adults in achieving their full potential in life satisfaction. Interest in social life or leisure activities provides incentives for gardening programs to fill social/leisure gaps in many older adult lives through actively engaging in healthy lifestyle practices.