Research & reports

Simone Betti · U-PAD Unimc - Open Digital Publications (University of Macerata) · Global

Urban horticulture, traditionally a marginal activity for the elderly, is gaining popularity in post-modern society for educational, rehabilitation, or hobby purposes. This growing interest in urban gardening, manifesting in various forms globally and locally, addresses needs beyond food production, often promoting social inclusion and the restoration of urban green areas. Gardens serve as spaces for reconnecting with nature, stress relief, social interaction for the elderly, outdoor classrooms for children, and therapeutic support in healthcare facilities.

· International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · Singapore

A waitlist-control randomized controlled trial recruiting 59 older adults (29 horticultural therapy, 30 waitlist control) to investigate improvements in mental well-being and modulation of biomarker levels.

Leelanayagi Ramalingam, Juwaidah Sharifuddin, Zainal Abidin Mohamed, Fazlin Ali · International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences · Malaysia

This paper aimed to identify volunteer satisfaction with the Community Garden Programme in Malaysia. A survey of 375 volunteers, using items adapted from Omoto and Snyder (1995), indicated that the majority were satisfied. Elderly males were found to be significantly satisfied with the program.

J. T. Roane · AAIHS (African American Intellectual History Society) — Black Perspectives · Cuba

Published on AAIHS's Black Perspectives blog on January 4, 2018, this article by J. T. Roane describes the Organopónico Vivero Alamar as 'founded in 1997 on ten and a half hectares of land,' framing Cuban urban agriculture as a response to food shortages and oil scarcity during the post-Soviet 'Special Period.' The author reports the average laborer age at the farm visited was 56, with the tour guide noting difficulty attracting younger workers. It describes methods including worm beds converting livestock waste to compost, strategic plant biodiversity for insect regulation, and integration of plants used in Santería practice, and positions Cuban organopónicos as an alternative to fossil-fuel-dependent U.S. agribusiness.

Jeong Nara, Myeongil Jeong, Seung-Won Han, Jaesoon Kim · Journal of people, plants, and environment · Global

This study was conducted to provide basic data for the construction of a community garden in a village. The research showed that residents have a high intention to use community gardens for rest, strolls, exercise, and appreciation, with older respondents showing higher frequency of use. Garden efficiency is enhanced when located within a 20-minute walk (1km), and it is desirable to design the space to reflect community characteristics and introduce needed facilities.

Maria de Fátima dos Santos Pimenta Garcia · Service social · Global

This study discusses how urban agriculture facilitates social participation, stimulates solidarity, and fosters social belonging, thereby strengthening neighborhood networks and bringing generations together. It suggests that urban gardens encourage active aging and contribute to the biopsychosocial balance of the elderly by transforming daily life and integrating people through leisure activities and the use of common spaces.

Hyun‐Kyung Kang, Seung Jun Back · Journal of people, plants, and environment · Global

This study investigated the effect of an urban agriculture experience program on the mental health of seniors over 65, comparing a group participating for over six months with a control group. Using t-tests on stress and depression indices, and physiological disparity, the experiment group showed statistically significantly lower stress scores related to loneliness and health, and much lower depression levels than the control group. Autonomic nervous system analysis also indicated lower stress and normal pulse diversity for the experiment group, suggesting urban agriculture stabilizes sympathetic nerves and activates parasympathetic nerves, increasing stress resistance.

Nicklett E.J., Anderson L.A., Yen I.H. · Journal of Applied Gerontology, 35(6):678-690 · Global

A scoping review of studies published 2000–2013 examining links between planned gardening activities and older adults' physical health. Of eight eligible studies, four assessed energy expenditure and four assessed physical functioning, indicating gardening can contribute to older adults' physical activity and functional maintenance. It grounds the case for urban gardens and community plots as sites for older adults' health promotion.

Laura Pacheco Montero · Documentos de trabajo social: Revista de trabajo y acción social · Global

This article assesses the utility of Time Banks and Urban Gardens as social work tools for gerontological intervention. The study analyzes these initiatives, their benefits, and the possibility of promoting quality of life in Social Work practice.

Monroy Quevedo, Katherin Mayerli · · Colombia (Bogotá)

A mixed-methods study in UPZ Marruecos, Rafael Uribe Uribe Locality, Bogotá, Colombia, investigated the impact of urban agriculture on the food and nutritional security of participating families. Based on interviews and surveys with 10 participants, urban agriculture was found to contribute to families' food and nutritional security by increasing the availability of safe food and improving physical access. Participants perceived higher consumption of vegetables, fruits, tubers, cereals, and legumes, leading to greater dietary diversity.

City Farmer News · City Farmer News · Cuba

This City Farmer News article introduces the 2013 documentary 'TIERRALISMO' (directed by Alejandro Ramirez Anderson) about a 26-acre agricultural cooperative in the Alamar district outside Havana. It notes over half the laborers are elderly, including an 82-year-old worker described as outperforming anyone in their twenties at weeding. It describes the government permitting cooperative formation after the early-1990s Soviet collapse cut access to chemical fertilizers and farm machinery, methods using compost and manure fertilization and self-bred pest-control insects, and workers who transitioned from careers as doctors, fishermen, and oil-industry workers.

Jemma Hawkins, Katie Thirlaway, Karianne Backx, Deborah A. Clayton · HortTechnology · Global

This study investigated the benefits of allotment gardening for healthy aging among 94 individuals aged 50 to 88 years from various activity groups. Participants completed physiological measures and psychometric scales. Allotment gardeners reported significantly less perceived stress compared to participants in indoor exercise classes (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found in social support or physical activity levels, suggesting engagement with nature and psychological restoration may contribute to lower stress.

Katie Shaw · Providence College Digital Commons (Providence College) · Global

This study analyzes how urban agriculture, specifically community gardens, addresses rising global pressures on urban areas by rebuilding local networks. It presents community gardening as a solution to the global food crisis and compares community garden projects in five cities: Accra, Shanghai, St. Petersburg, Havana, and Philadelphia. The research also examines the demographics of community gardeners, particularly their impacts on marginalized members of society, and highlights community gardens' role in city planning and green design.

Ania Yong, Eduardo Calves, Bárbara Benítez · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Cuba (San José de las Lajas)

A diagnostic study was conducted to characterize crop diversity in gardens, plots, and patios in the North, South, and Jamaica districts of San José de las Lajas, Cuba. The main crops established in the different production systems were vegetables, followed by fruit trees and flowers. Knowledge regarding cut flower production technologies was found to be insufficient, and surveys revealed that 80% of producers were over 60 years old.

Marianne E. Krasny, Rebekah Doyle · Journal of Extension · Global

This study applied participatory models to an inter-generational program aimed at having youth document ethnic gardening practices in urban community gardens. Outcomes for educators included professional development and the opportunity to expand programs to urban audiences, while youth learned about gardening, developed positive relationships with elders, and enhanced academic skills. Developing relationships with youth was an important outcome for gardeners.

Joel Flagler · HortScience · Global

An overview of horticultural therapy, describing how trained therapists prescribe and administer planting and gardening activities for people with physical, mental and social disabilities in hospitals, geriatric centers, schools, rehabilitation facilities, community gardens and prisons. It states that research measuring effectiveness in clinical and correctional settings, and databases documenting the benefits, are underway, without giving specific figures or results.