This study aims to address existing research gaps by investigating the effects of technology-assisted horticultural therapy on stress, depression, and happiness among older adults residing in long-term care facilities. By examining the modulation of the autonomic nervous system, the findings will provide a foundation for developing comprehensive health promotion programs that integrate traditional therapeutic practices with modern technology to enhance the well-being of the aging population.
Agree to participate in this study
Elderly persons aged 65 and above living in long-term care facilities
Live in long-term care facilities for at least three months
No gender restrictions
Has participated in gardening-related activities within one month of receiving the case
Those diagnosed with terminal illness or whose health condition is rapidly deteriorating
Those suffering from Parkinson's disease, serious heart disease, dementia, mental illness (e.g. schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, etc.)
Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) with cognitive impairment (MMSE scores below 16 points for individuals with no formal education, below 21 points for those with elementary education, and below 24 points for those with junior high school education or higher.)
Parallel
Information Technology-Assisted Horticultural Therapy Program
Other interventionThe intervention involves technology-assisted horticultural therapy sessions conducted once a week, lasting 120 minutes per session, over a total period of 8 weeks
Heart Rate Variability, HRV
The most frequently used method for Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) test. Heart rate variability (HRV) represents total activity index of ANS; The higher the HRV, the better the ANS control.
Perceived Stress Scale, PSS
The total score serves as an overall indicator of stress levels. It demonstrates good internal reliability, with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.85. The scale comprises 14 items, the total score ranges from 0 to 56, with higher scores indicating greater perceived stress.
Geriatric Depression Scale, GDS-15
The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) is a widely used screening tool designed to identify depression in older adults. The GDS-15 has been translated and adapted for use in various cultural contexts, including Chinese-speaking populations. The scale demonstrated good reliability (Cronbach's α = .94). The total score ranging from 0 to 15. The higher scores indicate greater severity of depressive symptoms.
The 5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index, WHO-5
The WHO-5 Well-Being Index is a brief, universally applicable global scale for measuring subjective well-being. The scale consists of five items, each scored from 0 to 5. The raw score ranges from 0 to 25, with higher scores indicating greater well-being. The raw score is often multiplied by 4 to convert it to a percentage scale ranging from 0 to 100.
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