The global population of older people grows systematically and with age, the physical and cognitive abilities of people decline. The amount of evidence that gardening may provide substantial health benefits and enhance the quality of ageing is increasing. This paper presents a systematic review of the therapeutic effects of horticulture and gardening on clients aged ≥60 years. It encompasses articles published in English between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2021. The literature survey shows that the interest in the topic has grown significantly in recent years as over half of the published studies are from 2019 to 2021. Most of this work was done in Asia (60%), America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. The most commonly used interventions were active horticultural therapy programs or gardening, but 20% of the studies explored the passive connection of being outside. The fitness of the elderly was measured using 33 psychological tests, 32 physiological and functional parameters and different kinds of self-developed questionnaires and interviews. The most commonly used psychological tests were the Geriatric Depression Scale, Self-rated Health and Quality of Life, Mini-Mental State Examination, Friendship Scale, Lubben Social Network Scale, and the Attitudes to Ageing Questionnaire. The physiological and functional parameters included heart rate variability, blood pressure, electroencephalography, brain nerve growth factors, and different types of biomarkers. The study outcomes demonstrated positive results of horticultural therapy on human health and well-being, particularly in a psychological dimension and to a smaller but still significant extent physiological aspect.

As the populations of many countries are aging, institutions providing support for the elderly increasingly often use nature-based interventions (NBIs) as part of their therapeutic activities. This study aimed to show the impact of 8-week active and passive NBI programs on self-esteem, well-being, and relaxation in the elderly. The NBI programs were conducted in two groups of elderly citizens of Poland: independent senior students and seniors requiring 24 h care. The Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale and the World Health Organization Well-Being Index were used to assess self-esteem and well-being before and after the programs. To assess relaxation, pre–post session measurements of pulse rate (PR) and blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂) were used. Our study showed an improvement in the self-esteem, well-being, and relaxation of the participants of both active and passive NBI programs. In all study groups, self-esteem and well-being improved after the programs, regardless of the type of intervention, and after each NBI session, the elderly showed a decrease in PR and an increase in SpO₂, which indicated a deeper state of relaxation. Our research showed a greater improvement in the tested parameters in the seniors participating in the passive programs in a garden. This confirms a key role of green spaces in residential areas for the elderly and in nursing homes.

Performance and appearance of vertical gardens are affected by plant quality, which is why creating conditions for their proper growth is crucial. Insufficient amount of light inside buildings significantly limits plant development, especially in the autumn and winter in the northern hemisphere. The objective of this study was to investigate physiological and morphological quality of plant species, Asplenium, Chlorophytum and Philodendron, in an indoor vertical garden exposed to two levels of daily light integral (DLI). Higher DLI level (1.1-1.7 mol m−2 day‑1) improved plant diameter, height, leaf length and width, leaf area, total area of leaf blades, dry weight, and carotenoid content, however did not affected leaf fresh weight and leaf number. Chlorophytum and Asplenium were particularly responsive to natural light supplementation and were distinguished by the best growth habit and compactness.

Gardens emerge as powerful catalysts for enhancing the well-being of the older generation. The design of a garden plays a significant role in engagement with such an environment. The investigation aimed to determine features integral to the garden for older adults to be applied as design guidelines for therapeutic gardens serving the elderly. A mixed quantitative-qualitative approach was used with a questionnaire focused on eliciting insights into the garden experiences. The respondents comprised individuals from Care Homes and Senior Activity Centres. The results revealed the importance of childhood gardens and associated memories of the elderly. Consequently, the conceptualisation of a garden tailored to the needs of older adults highlights relaxation. A garden should facilitate passive engagement with nature and active involvement in the nurturing of plant life. Botanical preferences encompass a diverse array of flora: roses, tulips, and peonies in the floral domain; tomatoes, onions, and carrots within the vegetables; and apples, pears, and plums within the realm of fruits. Gardens emerge as powerful catalysts for enhancing the well-being of the older generation. The design of a garden plays a significant role in engagement with such an environment. The investigation aimed to determine features integral to the garden for older adults to be applied as design guidelines for therapeutic gardens serving the elderly. A mixed quantitative-qualitative approach was used with a questionnaire focused on eliciting insights into the garden experiences. The respondents comprised individuals from Care Homes and Senior Activity Centres. The results revealed the importance of childhood gardens and associated memories of the elderly. Consequently, the conceptualisation of a garden tailored to the needs of older adults highlights relaxation. A garden should facilitate passive engagement with nature and active involvement in the nurturing of plant life. Botanical preferences encompass a diverse array of flora: roses, tulips, and peonies in the floral domain; tomatoes, onions, and carrots within the vegetables; and apples, pears, and plums within the realm of fruits.