None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Healthy ageing is an intersection of different determinants. Older Maori view healthy ageing as meaningful social relationships (‘doing things together’, ‘mutual motivation and focus’ – the collective), spiritual wellbeing, relaxation/meditation, regular exercise, and whole food. Gardening, the most preferred activities for both older Maori and non-Maori, is shown to benefit older adults. Active gardening or simply being at a garden has been linked to improved mental well-being, increased physical activity, and a reduction in social isolation. Outdoor gardening is a potential health intervention for older Maori. We aim to explore the impact of outdoor gardening on physical and psychosocial functioning in older adults and to explore the feasibility of recruiting those who are lonely/socially isolated. We will recruit 40 older people aged 50+through local community networks and general practices in Whangarei. Study participants will participate in an outdoor gardening programme for 12 months. Comprehensive assessments will be completed prior to the start of the porgramme, 6 and 12 months into the programme, Participants will keep a daily record of gardening activities at home and at the community garden. Statistical analysis will report on the changes in these measures over time, benefits of gardening will be coded thematically, and gardening activities will be grouped according to intensity levels.
Interventions
Participants, in groups of ten, will engage in weekly gardening activities over 12 months at a community garden. The participants will be working in pairs or a smaller group (depending on their ability) supervise by the manager of the community garden. The gardening activities will last between 2-3 hours in the morning, including a share morning tea/light lunch where the group comes together to socialise.
The gardening activities are general low-risk gardening activities (weeding, watering exi
Participants, in groups of ten, will engage in weekly gardening activities over 12 months at a community garden. The participants will be working in pairs or a smaller group (depending on their ability) supervise by the manager of the community garden. The gardening activities will last between 2-3 hours in the morning, including a share morning tea/light lunch where the group comes together to socialise. The gardening activities are general low-risk gardening activities (weeding, watering existing plants, planting, potting, transplanting seedlings or plants etc) with an opportunity to increase gardening activities intensity (digging, spading, filling garden, composting etc) over time. A research study co-ordinator will also be on-site to assist participants with recording their activities, record attendance and feedback from the participants about the ease/challenges including documentation of the activities.
Sponsors
Te Tahua Rangahau Hauoratanga, Lottery Health Research
Study design
Allocation
Non-randomised trial
Intervention model
Single group
Primary purpose
Prevention
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
50 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Community dwelling adults aged 50 years and above
Exclusion criteria
Terminally ill or having advanced dementia as judged by the GP or Maori health provider,
Outcome results
None listed