Gardening and older people

Growing food is an activity which potentially excludes individuals with limited resources. Older people living in shared accommodation are liable to exclusion because they have no land of their own, limited financial resources, variable personal capacity and complex social pressures. Gardening is a popular leisure activity for older people and has been found to improve psycho-social wellbeing and community interaction (Wiseman and Bhatti 2007, Milliganet al 2004).

However research suggests that this potentially healthy activity is a source of worry and negative emotion in people that are living independently. Research about the impact of being unable to manage the garden suggests a fear of embarrassment and being branded unable to cope. Further to this an unkempt garden is a clear indication of vulnerability (Richards 2006).

Project aims

The most often cited reason for people moving to supported accommodation is their inability to manage their garden, so it is not surprising that gardening participation falls from 85% before the move to 15% afterwards (Stoneham and Jones 1997). After the move is done an occupation of obligation can be adapted, and revert to being one of choice,

and enjoyed once again. Little is documented on how to introduce food growing to support housing schemes for older people. This qualitative research project evaluates the introduction of this health-promoting activity to this setting. It gathers opinions about events and experiences from first meeting to the vigorous clearing of a small walled garden and harvesting of the first crops.

Project impact

Focus groups enable the gardeners to explore and reflect on their experience of participating in a 12-week gardening group, and their on-going plans and aspirations.

Research team

T Wiseman

K Newton

Community University Partnership Project

Output

Wiseman T, Sadlo G (2014) Gardening – an occupation for wellness and recovery, (Chapter in) International Handbook of Occupational Therapy Interventions 2nd Edition (pp xxx-xxx) Springer New York.

Scott, K. Wiseman, T. (2014) Rambling on: Older men’s experience of walking for leisure; Paper presentation at : Healthy Environment, Healthy Lives. Towards a 21st Century Park. Student conference 9th July South Downs Centre, Midhurst.

Leaver, R. Wiseman, T. (2014) Garden visiting for leisure in later life; Paper presentation at : Healthy Environment, Healthy Lives. Towards a 21st Century Park. Student conference 9th July South Downs Centre, Midhurst.

York M, Wiseman T (2012). Gardening as an occupation: a critical review. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 75(2), 76-84.

York M, Wiseman T, Thomas L (2011) The experience of community gardening, a meta ethnography. College of occupational therapists annual conference, June 2011. Facilitated poster discussion presentation. Abstract published in proceedings, Poster added to F1000 poster repository.

Sadlo G, Whittaker B, Wiseman T (2010)Sustainable occupational therapy – round table discussion, College of occupational therapists annual conference round table discussion. Abstract published in proceedings
Wiseman, T (2010) Gardening together: community gardening in shared housing. Age concern fit as a fiddle regional networking event.

Wiseman, T and Bhatti, M. (2007) Cultivating Paradise: Promotion of Gardening in Sheltered Housing Schemes Growth Point: The Journal of Social and Therapeutic Horticulture Spring No 108 pp 4-8.

Partners

Age Concern Eastbourne

Eastbourne Homes