Flower Power: How Gardens Can Improve Your Residents’ Health

A t any age, people with access to nature are healthier overall and more satisfied with life. gardens often give a sense of control, by soothing anxiety, fear, anger and other negative feelings—especially valuable during adjustment to a physical or mental... More

A t any age, people with access to nature are healthier overall and more satisfied with life. gardens often give a sense of control, by soothing anxiety, fear, anger and other negative feelings—especially valuable during adjustment to a physical or mental disability, including the effects of a stroke. studies by sociologist John zeisel suggest that continuous access to sensitively designed porches, patios and gardens stimulate some people with Alzheimer’s disease to function at higher levels. During early stages, their internal clocks may become Flower Power How Gardens Can Improve Your Residents’ Health by Carol Milano Flowers, trees and green spaces often please older people, regardless of their condition. Now, researchers are showing that certain plant types, configurations, views and garden-related activities actually do improve seniors’ health. Which are beneficial? How do they generate measurable cognitive, emotional, social and physical effects? Here is a look at the scient Less