Authors (including presenting author) :
Li WW, So YN, Wong PS, Chui PF, So CT, Cheng WC
Affiliation :
(1)Occupational Therapy, Lai King Building
Introduction :
Ageing population is a global phenomenon. To enhance the quality of life and promote positive ageing, health-care practitioners look for cost-effective therapies. The occupational therapists in GDH therefore had implemented horticultural group for over a decade. Previous studies demonstrated significant increase in the happiness level after participation in the horticultural therapy.
Objectives :
(1) to further investigate multiple benefits on participants’ psychosocial well-beings;(2) to enhance social interaction, cognition, psychological health, self-development and physical well-being through therapeutic planting activities
Methodology :
Subjects were recruited from GDH by convenient sampling. Occupational therapists designed one-hour horticultural group weekly, which included education on pot planting and transplanting herbs, making artwork by stamping leaves, with element of multi-sensory stimulation and reminiscence. Partnership and interaction within group were encouraged. A valid evaluation scale of horticultural therapy was conducted after the activities.
Result & Outcome :
7 sessions of horticultural therapy were provided. Totally 15 GDH patients participated (with mean attendance of 2) and completed the evaluation scale of horticultural therapy. Over 90% participants agreed horticultural therapy facilitated social interaction. All reported cognitive function was improved, including attention, logical thinking and observation skills. In psychological aspects, all patients agreed that the activities could calm down and stabilize their emotion. Most reported stress reduction and curiosity stimulated. Over 90% agreed their sense of responsibility were enhanced, while approximately 80% agreed their knowledge, self-confidence and sense of achievement were improved. Physically, all reported feeling more energetic. Over 80% of the patients agreed that their activity tolerance, muscle control and coordination were improved. In conclusion, the majority of participants agreed horticultural therapy could improve social interaction, psychological health and cognitive function. Therefore, horticultural therapy should be promoted. Future studies consider increasing sample size, enriching with creative artworks, multi-sensory stimulation and reminiscence, and investigating the bio-physiological effect.
Co-location with:
