Human Health & Plants Research: Nature-Based Activities Can Enhance Self-Esteem, Relaxation and Wellbeing

Dr. Charles Guy

How can relaxation, self-esteem, and well-being be maintained or enhanced in aging populations to maximize quality of life?  The good news is there is enough empirical evidence to support the test of the hypothesis that engaging in nature-based activities can provide positive psychological and physical benefits to elder populations.

The objective of the study by researchers Anna Heród, Bożena Szewczyk-Taranek, and Bożena Pawłowska1 at the University of Agriculture in Krakow was to ascertain the treatment effects of 8-week active or passive nature-based interventions on two elder groups, those living independently and participants in a U3A program (n=24), and those requiring residence in a 24-hour care facility (n=24).  An international movement, the University of the Third Age (U3A) is an education and stimulation program for mainly retired community members.  The average age of the U3A participants in the study was 70.8, while the average age of those living in long-term care facilities was 80.4.  Therefore, the ages of the two groups were not the same or equal.  Women accounted for about 90% of the participants in both groups.  Difficulties with verbal communication or diagnosed mental health disorders were exclusion factors in participant enrollment.

The nature-based interventions were diverse, including 8 active or 8 passive 1.5-hour treatment sessions.  The active treatment sessions were of three types: indoor gardening, plant-related art, and floristry.  Each activity was designed to cater to a range of participant interests and abilities.  Gardening emphasized the cultivation and care of the plants that were being grown.  The art sessions focused on developing artistic skills and creativity that encouraged social interactions and included dried flower decorations and decoupage.  The floristry treatment filled the rooms where the programs took place with large quantities of flowers, allowing participants to experience the beauty of nature and reflect on memories prompted by the floral surroundings.  In total, 30 different plant species were used in the treatments.  In contrast, the passive treatment sessions involved sensory walks, including taste, and facilitated participant mindfulness responses, prompting an “in-the-moment” state of consciousness during the walks.

Participants’ self-esteem and well-being were assessed before and after each treatment session using Rosenberg’s self-report questionnaire and the WHO section “Well-Being” Index.  Also, participants’ pulse rate and blood O2 saturation were measured before and after each treatment session.

Not surprisingly, scores for both self-esteem and well-being improved from baseline to the end of the treatment program for active and passive treatment interventions for both populations.  The improvements in the scores were statistically significant and robust.  The responses to the interventions for self-esteem were greater for the passive treatments than the active treatments for both groups.  While the treatment responses from baseline to end for well-being were improved for both groups and treatments, the 24-hour care group showed the greatest overall improvement following the passive nature-based treatment.

As other studies have found, engaging in nature-based activities had a positive effect on lowering blood pressure and increasing oxygen saturation.

The findings in the present study indicate that active nature-based activities were most beneficial for younger independent seniors.  At the same time, older seniors living in 24-hour care facilities appeared to benefit more from passive nature-based walking activities.  When taken together, it is unequivocal that well-matched nature-based activities can enhance self-esteem, influence blood pressure and heart rate, and promote the overall well-being of older people.

1Heród, A., Szewczyk-Taranek, B., Pawłowska, B. (2024).  Enhancing Self-Esteem, Well-Being, and Relaxation in the Elderly through Nature-Based Interventions.  International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(7) 952.  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21070952

Charles Guy, Emeritus and Courtesy Professor

Department of Environmental Horticulture, University of Florida

Steering Committee, Wilmot Botanical Gardens, University of Florida