Positive ageing and gardening: development and testing of a gardening survey measuring benefits of leisure gardening

摘要

Successful ageing theories suggest that gardening might be in accord with components proposed to increase quality of life, such as social engagement, productive activity, and exercise. In this study we examined the relationship between gardening activities and positive ageing among older adults. A 42 item Gardening Questionnaire was distributed to a sample of older adult gardeners (=331). In addition participants were asked to report their demographic details, gardening activities, self-rated health and quality of life, and attitudes to ageing. Results showed that participants derived numerous benefits from their leisure gardening. According to factor analysis a number of latent variables were identified. Time spent gardening was related to greater magnitude of the range of positive benefits experienced. In conclusion, gardening was an important form of activity and engagement for older adults, which they saw as critical to their well-being and to ageing positively.