The paper presents a study performed in Italy evaluating the impact of social gardening for older adults, supported by a gardening and community mobile app and connected soil sensors. We conducted a pre- and post-test field trial with older adult volunteers (n=41) with organized gardening sessions. Standardized and ad hoc questionnaires were employed to measure changes in volunteers' mental and psychological states. The statistical data analysis used t-tests, repeated measures MANOVA tests and logistic regression to find differences in, and predictors for, the pre- and post-testvalues of the key scores related to the perceived quality of life, cognitive functions, dietary habits and system usability. We found significant improvements in the cognitive functions, the perceived benefits of gardening and in the WHO Quality of Life (QOL) instruments, and a decrease in the fruit/vegetable consumption. The improvements in QOL were associated with the measured self-esteem, while cognitive improvement, measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale, was linked with higher commitment. Digital skills also improved and lasting social relationships formed during the trial. The observed results confirmed the positive effect of gardening on quality of life, thus justifying the viability of social gardening for older adults.
Animatronic ("robotic") pets are increasingly popular as a therapeutic approach used by caregivers to interact with persons living with mild-to-moderate dementia. Few studies have considered the influence of both implementation and professional practice on the effectiveness of their use. Addressing this gap, our study evaluated experiences and insights offered by recreation therapy team members when introducing a robotic pets program for residents living with dementia within a residential facility. While embedded in this setting, our research team conducted three longitudinal qualitative, semi-structured group interviews and four participant observation sessions with recreation team members over a six-month study period, followed by a workshop 1 year into implementation. Using a reflexive thematic analysis approach, we organized findings into three implementation stages: (i) pre-intervention planning; (ii) intervention delivery; and (iii) sustainability. Our findings suggested that study participants held and sustained positive views toward robotic pet interactions with residents, adopted approaches tailored to residents' evolving needs, and responded to various caregiving and behavioral challenges with skill and imagination. These insights may help others optimize the effectiveness of robotic pets when delivered as a resident-centered, adaptable program for people living with mild-to-moderate dementia in residential care.
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between clinical health and behavioral lifestyle factors, including sleep quality, physical activity, and nutritional status and balance, in older adults. Cross-sectional study with 167 individuals aged >= 60 years. Participants completed sociodemographic questionnaires and underwent clinical evaluations. Balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale, sleep quality with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, physical activity with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, muscle strength with handgrip dynamometry, and nutritional status with anthropometric measures. The results indicated that poorer sleep quality (OR = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.79-0.98; p = .024) and diabetes (OR = 0.19; 95% CI: 0.07-0.52; p = .001) were associated with lower odds of adequate balance. Physical activity (OR = 3.44; 95% CI: 1.18-10.04; p = .024) increased the likelihood of proper balance. Individuals aged 80 years and older were less likely to maintain balance (OR = 0.08; 95% CI: 0.02-0.34; p = .001). The results show that clinical and behavioral factors influence balance in older adults poor sleep quality and the presence of diabetes increase the risk of balance impairment, creating a cycle of functional disability, while physical activity acts as a protective factor, interrupting this negative cycle.
