A Valued Relationship with Nature and Its Influence on the Use of Gardens by Older Adults Living in Residential Care

ABSTRACT

While there is growing interest in inclusion of gardens and outdoor spaces in residential care facilities for older adults, these spaces are often underutilized despite many identified, evidence-based benefits. A qualitative study of participant observations with behavior mapping, and individual and focus-group interviews, using a grounded theory methodology was used to understand value versus use of outdoor garden spaces. Individual and focus-group interviews were conducted with 32 residents from two facilities. Results revealed that views of nature are fundamentally important to resident well-being, that access to nature influences facility choice, and use of garden spaces is influenced by the way in which individuals prefer to enjoy nature.