Kindred Gardens: Gardening for Seniors
Loading...
Date
2018-04
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Ohio State University. Office of Outreach and Engagement
Abstract
Kindred Gardens: Gardening for Seniors is a program that was recently developed to offer stimulating gardening activities to seniors through a five-part series of hands-on classes. Senior citizens represent 24 percent of the Noble County population. Although many seniors remain active and content with their lifestyles, a contrasting population depends on assistance from their families or skilled nursing staff to carry on with typical day-to-day activities. In conjunction, living on a fixed income is common, leaving little financial flexibility and few opportunities for pursuing their own interests and pleasures. A daily routine that lacks refreshing experiences and interactions can lead to isolation, depression, irritability and overall decreased quality of life. Gardening is an activity that can be immensely beneficial for senior physical and mental health. Implementing easy-to-access gardening programs in the community for seniors could be a positive influence on people's lives.
Description
Kindred Gardens: Gardening for Seniors is a program that was recently developed to offer stimulating gardening activities to seniors through a five-part series of hands-on classes. Senior citizens represent 24 percent of the Noble County population. Although many seniors remain active and content with their lifestyles, a contrasting population depends on assistance from their families or skilled nursing staff to carry on with typical day-to-day activities. In conjunction, living on a fixed income is common, leaving little financial flexibility and few opportunities for pursuing their own interests and pleasures. A daily routine that lacks refreshing experiences and interactions can lead to isolation, depression, irritability, and overall decreased quality of life. Gardening is an activity that can be immensely beneficial for senior physical and mental health. Implementing easy-to-access gardening programs in the community for seniors could be a positive influence on people's lives. To provide these gardening programs at no cost for participants, alternative funding was sought out and received. Kindred Gardens: Gardening for Seniors is made possible by the OSU Extension Southeast Region Endowment Grant, which provided funding for the five sessions offered in 2017. Classes are held at the Joyce M. Davis Senior Center in Caldwell, Ohio. Transportation to and from the Senior Center is available, making it a centralized gathering place for many of the county's seniors. Classes are taught by county Extension personnel, and all of the course materials are budgeted through the endowment grant. All of the materials that are created and distributed were made available at the conclusion of the November 2017 session through a shared file on box.osu.edu. All other OSU Extension personnel are welcome to access the shared items to create their own programs. Kindred Gardens: Gardening for Seniors will be evaluated throughout the year with one-on-one conversation and observations, as well as at the conclusion of the program with a peer evaluation, formal EEET and informal program survey. Following the collection of formal and informal evaluations it will be determined if Kindred Gardens: Gardening for Seniors will be offered again in 2018. If feedback is positive, the program will proceed into 2018 in one of two ways: 1) Repeated with the same curriculum, but at a different location in the community to reach an extended audience; or 2) Expanded offering additional new classes for the same audience in the same location. Continuing the program is contingent on funding through either another grant or through other community partnerships.
AUTHOR AFFILIATION: Christine Gelley, Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University Extension, gelley.2@osu.edu (Corresponding Author).
AUTHOR AFFILIATION: Christine Gelley, Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University Extension, gelley.2@osu.edu (Corresponding Author).
Keywords
senior, citizens, gardening, engagement, enrichment
Citation
Engaged Scholars, v. 6 (2018).