A Valued Relationship with Nature and Its Influence on the Use of Gardens by Older Adults Living in Residential Care. Issue 3 (2nd July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Reynolds, Lori
• Is Part Of: Journal of housing for the elderly. Volume 30:Issue 3(2016)
• Page Start: 295
• Page End: 311
• Publication Date: 2016-07-02
• Subjects: Nature relationship -- value of nature -- garden use -- gardens in residential care; Older people -- Dwellings -- Periodicals; Aging -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 363.5946
• DOI: 10.1080/02763893.2016.1198740
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0276-3893

Abstract

ABSTRACT: While there is growing interest in inclusion of gardens and outdoor spaces in residential care facilities for older adults, these spaces are often underutilized despite many identified, evidence-based benefits. A qualitative study of participant observations with behavior mapping, and individual and focus-group interviews, using a grounded theory methodology was used to understand value versus use of outdoor garden spaces. Individual and focus-group interviews were conducted with 32 residents from two facilities. Results revealed that views of nature are fundamentally important to resident well-being, that access to nature influences facility choice, and use of garden spaces is influenced by the way in which individuals prefer to enjoy nature.