園藝治療對失智老人憂鬱、自尊及福祉成效探討

Horticultural Therapy on Depression, Self-esteem and Well-being in Elderly People with Dementia

Background: Population aging has become a worldwide phenomenon. According to data from the Statistics Office of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, 89% of disabled people in Taiwan are cared for in the community, and about 11% are placed in residential institutions. After the elderly move into long-term care institutions, the environment and life changes, and the institutional group life lacks privacy and autonomy. The elderly is prone to psychological problems, such as loneliness, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, interpersonal alienation, negative feelings, etc., among which depression is the most common. Low self-esteem is the most common and increases the risk of suicide. Studies have pointed out that dynamic leisure activities through ''horticultural therapy'' not only have psychological and cognitive benefits for the elderly, but also have positive benefits on their physiological functions. Purpose: This study aims to explore the effects of horticultural therapy intervention on depression, self-esteem, and horticultural well-being in institutionalized elderly individuals with dementia. Method: A quasi-experimental design with a pre-post test approach was employed. The study focused on elderly individuals with dementia residing in a nursing home in New Taipei City. The experimental group consisted of 15 participants who received weekly horticultural therapy sessions lasting 30-50 minutes each, for a total of eight weeks. The control group engaged in regular daily activities