Recent research has shown the benefits of time spent in nature and gardening activities for people living with dementia. While much of this research targets nature benefits, investigations of purpose-related benefits are scarce. Engaging in purposeful activities can help people living with dementia to retain a sense of self-worth and consequently wellbeing, yet this has not yet been examined within gardening-based activities.
In this study, we aimed to document and thematically analyse the in-the-moment experiences, including benefits and detriments, of gardening activities for people living with dementia.
People living with dementia were recruited as part of a broader study into the effects of gardening activities for wellbeing and purpose, on a farm aimed at reducing food insecurity and whose produce is donated to charity. For the present research question, participants completed three ‘walking interviews’ over 7 weeks. During these interviews, participants were asked about their experiences of volunteering at the farm, time spent in nature, and how it affected them personally. Walking interviews were chosen as a way of capturing experiences in-the-moment with contextual and environmental cues, rather than relying on memories.
Audio-recordings of walking interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed. Participants reported emotional and cognitive experiences of engaging in purposeful gardening activities. Findings from this research provide greater understanding of the relative benefits of purposeful activities and meaningful engagement for people living with dementia, particularly when combined with community-focused benefit and time in nature.