Green thumb 2.0: a new resource for active aging

Journal title PSICOLOGIA DELLA SALUTE
Author/s Marco Guicciardi, Daniela Loi, Andrea Manca, Monica Marini, Riccardo Pazzona, Luigi Raffo
Publishing Year 2022 Issue 2022/3
Language Italian Pages 12 P. 28-39 File size 242 KB
DOI 10.3280/PDS2022-003005
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The horticulture can positively affect the well-being of older people, counteracting physical and cognitive decline and improving the overall quality of life. Modern technologies provide valuable support to encourage such activities and promote an active lifestyle. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of community horticultural activities, supported by a digital plat-form, in a mixed sample of participants aged over 60 years in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants took part in a six-month study, divided into two periods. During the first three months, participants just completed a set of questionnaires investigating the following psycho-logical variables: self-esteem, loneliness, depression, quality of life, affects, social support and cognitive functioning. In the following three months, participants were involved in a digital-supported horticul-ture program, which was followed by the detection of the same psychological variables. The effects of horticulture were evaluated by comparing surveys responses at the two timepoints. The results show an improvement in the quality of life, in cognitive functions and, to a lesser extent, in subjective well-being of participants. Participants who are married or co-habiting generally show a better quality of life, and after intervention are less likely to express negative emotional states. There was no evidence of depression. Digitally assisted horticulture can improve the quality of life of the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords: horticulture, cognitive functions, well-being, quality of life, Covid-19

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Marco Guicciardi, Daniela Loi, Andrea Manca, Monica Marini, Riccardo Pazzona, Luigi Raffo, Pollice verde 2.0: una nuova risorsa per un invecchiamento attivo in "PSICOLOGIA DELLA SALUTE" 3/2022, pp 28-39, DOI: 10.3280/PDS2022-003005