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

Datos Bibliográficos

ID15484455
AutoresAnna Heród (0000-0001-6028-1578, University of Agriculture in Krakow, autor de correspondencia), Bożena Szewczyk-Taranek (0000-0003-0318-598X, University of Agriculture in Krakow), Bożena Pawłowska (0000-0003-0922-8194, University of Agriculture in Krakow)
Año2024
Volumen21
Número7
Páginas952-952
Fecha de publicación2024-07-20
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
EditorialMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph21070952
PMID39063528
OpenAlexW4400941464
IdiomaEN
Referencias citadas34

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

Oxygen · Oxygen saturation · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Relaxation (psychology · Scale (ratio · Self-esteem · Climate Change and Health Impacts · Clinical Psychology · Health, psychology, and well-being · Medicine · Psychology · Social Psychology · Urban Green Space and Health · Gerontology