Green Care Practices for Active Aging
A Scoping Review
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 19492016 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Leonardo Catena (0009-0005-2438-8454, University of Pisa), Francesco Paolo Di Iacovo (University of Pisa), Chiara Mariti (0000-0001-7127-4680, University of Pisa), Roberta Moruzzo (0000-0002-2753-9183, University of Pisa), Giulia Granai (0000-0002-5678-4153, University of Pisa, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 1-28 |
| Publication date | 2026-05-14 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Aging and Environment (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2689-2618 • E-ISSN: 2689-2626 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/26892618.2026.2665295 |
| OpenAlex | W7161142089 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 44 |
Green care (GC) is widely recognized as an umbrella concept encompassing nature-based and nature-assisted interventions that promote health, well-being, and social inclusion through engagement with natural environments, plants, animals, and farming contexts. In the context of population aging, GC is increasingly considered a complementary approach to support active and healthy aging, although the evidence base remains heterogeneous in terms of definitions, intervention models, and outcome measures. This scoping review maps and synthesizes recent international literature on GC and related interventions targeting older adults, with particular attention to reported physical, psychological, and social well-being outcomes. Following a PRISMA-informed methodology, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched for peer-reviewed studies published between 2019 and 2024. Thirty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. Findings show substantial variability in intervention types (e.g., horticultural therapy, care farming, animal-assisted activities, green exercise), settings, and research designs. Most studies report positive effects on psychological well-being, social connectedness, and physical functioning. However, methodological heterogeneity and limited use of standardized protocols restrict comparability. Greater conceptual clarity, harmonized evaluation frameworks, and more rigorous research designs are needed to support policy integration and the scaling up of GC interventions within active aging strategies
Health care · Sustainability · Geriatric Care and Nursing Homes · Healthcare Facilities Design and Sustainability · Urban Green Space and Health
How nature contributes to mental and physical health
Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
Senior Housing as a Living Environment That Supports Well-Being in Old Age
Human Flourishing with Dignity”
Benefits for Older People Engaged in Environmental Volunteering and Socializing Activities in City Parks
Working at Green Care Farms and Other Innovative Small-Scale Long-Term Dementia Care Facilities Requires Different Competencies of Care Staff
Provision of Outdoor Nature-Based Activity for Older People with Cognitive Impairment
Social Farming
The impact of a refurbishment programme on older people living in sheltered housing
Comparing the care environment at farm‐based and regular day care for people with dementia in Norway—An observational study
Agriculture – Who cares? An investigation of ‘care farming’ in the UK
Social farming in Catalonia
Changes in outdoor physical activities among older people in Sweden
Greening a Geriatric Ward Reduces Functional Decline in Elderly Patients and is Positively Evaluated by Hospital Staff
Gardens as resources in advanced age in Aotearoa NZ
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |