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Enhancing Self-Esteem, Well-Being, and Relaxation in the Elderly through Nature-Based Interventions

Author

Listed:
  • Anna Heród

    (Department of Ornamental Plants and Garden Art, University of Agriculture in Krakow, 29-Listopada 54, 31-425 Kraków, Poland)

  • Bożena Szewczyk-Taranek

    (Department of Ornamental Plants and Garden Art, University of Agriculture in Krakow, 29-Listopada 54, 31-425 Kraków, Poland)

  • Bożena Pawłowska

    (Department of Ornamental Plants and Garden Art, University of Agriculture in Krakow, 29-Listopada 54, 31-425 Kraków, Poland)

Abstract

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 (SpO 2 ) 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 SpO 2 , 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.

Suggested Citation

  • Anna Heród & Bożena Szewczyk-Taranek & Bożena Pawłowska, 2024. "Enhancing Self-Esteem, Well-Being, and Relaxation in the Elderly through Nature-Based Interventions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(7), pages 1-15, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:7:p:952-:d:1439355
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ren-Lin Zhao & Gang Zhang & Xi Wang & Bo-Tong Zhang & Li-Na Guo & Li-Xin Niu & Yan-Long Zhang, 2019. "Psycho-Physiological Effects of a Peony-Viewing Program on Middle-Aged and Elderly Individuals at Different Phenological Stages," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-13, February.
    2. Chengcheng Zeng & Bingyang Lyu & Songyuan Deng & Yan Yu & Nian Li & Wei Lin & Di Li & Qibing Chen, 2020. "Benefits of a Three-Day Bamboo Forest Therapy Session on the Physiological Responses of University Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-17, May.
    3. Pei-Chun Tu & Wen-Chen Cheng & Ping-Cheng Hou & Yu-Sen Chang, 2020. "Effects of Types of Horticultural Activity on the Physical and Mental State of Elderly Individuals," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-13, July.
    4. Judith Fuchs & Christa Scheidt-Nave & Timo Hinrichs & Andreas Mergenthaler & Janine Stein & Steffi G. Riedel-Heller & Eva Grill, 2013. "Indicators for Healthy Ageing — A Debate," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 10(12), pages 1-15, December.
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