Study: Houseplants Great For Retirement Communities
February 27, 2009 A recent study published in the American Society for Horticultural Science journal HortTechnology finds an activity as simple as caring for houseplants can have positive effects on residents of assisted-living communities.
The four-week study by Claudia C. Collins and Angela M. O’Callaghan involved participation by 18 residents in a weekly, two-hour interactive horticulture class taught by a social horticulturist and a sociologist. Residents were given interactive lessons on the care of houseplants, choices of what plants to bring home and care for and different options in potting containers. The classes offered residents an opportunity for social interaction with peers and instructors.
Over the course of the study, teachers were impressed by the transformation of the overall demeanor of the students. They changed from a state of passive, lonely dependence to being more active, socially connected, and responsible for something other than themselves, demonstrating improvement in quality of life and mastery.
Several key categories emerged over the course of the study that illustrated areas of improvement in the residents’ quality of life. First, caring for houseplants provided companionship for residents, some of whom reported singing and talking to their plants. Second, caring for the plants encouraged active and energetic participation.
Other positive impacts noted were a general feeling of success and accomplishment. Residents showed excitement in planning for the future, and looked forward to being involved in developing an outdoor community garden.
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