Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
108 results(4 / 5)
HEALTH ACTIVIST EDUCATION FOR BRAZIL
2018Rita de Cássia Gabrielli Souza Lima, Camila Gonçalves Labrêa, Marco Aurélio Da Ros, Adriana Grabner Corrêa, Paula Côrrea Souza, Liana Riveiro, Joelma Feliciano, Marina Goelzer Kieling · International Journal for Innovation Education and Research · Brazil (Itajaí)
This article reports on an extension project experience conducted in 2016 with elderly people from the Community Center for the Elderly in Itaipava, Itajaí city, Brazil, in partnership with a local Health Primary Care Unit and Local Health Council. Testimonies were dialectically analyzed using the category “We want to dance again, and we appreciate plants,” revealing symbolic pain over municipal resource cuts for monthly trips and balls, alongside a willingness to create a community garden. The involved sectors recognized the extension program as an effective class and a locus for developing praxis.
CommunityElderlyFood educationNATURE-BASED DEMENTIA CARE: INNOVATIVE ADULT DAY SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA IN THE NETHERLANDS
2018Simone R. de Bruin, Yvette Buist, Lenneke Vaandrager, Jan Hassink · Innovation in Aging · Netherlands
This study in the Netherlands aimed to understand the value of nature-based adult day services (ADS) for people with dementia (PwD) in urban areas. Researchers interviewed 40 PwD and their carers, who indicated that these services positively affect PwD's health and wellbeing by stimulating physical activity, social interaction, a sense of dignity, relaxation, and a sense of meaning in life.
CommunityHealthElderlyQuality of care and quality of life of people with dementia living at green care farms: a cross-sectional study
2017· BMC Geriatrics · Netherlands
A cross-sectional study in the southern Netherlands comparing quality of care and quality of life for 115 residents with dementia across green care farms, regular small-scale living facilities, and traditional nursing homes.
ElderlyWelfareHealthBarriers and facilitators to healthy eating and disease self-management among older adults residing in subsidized housing
2017Katherine Frances Petroka, Rania Campbell-Bussiere, Dan Dychtwald, Brandy‐Joe Milliron · Nutrition and Health · United States (Philadelphia)
This 2017 qualitative study in Philadelphia, USA, investigated barriers and facilitators to healthy eating among 24 low-income seniors (65-75 years old) in subsidized housing, which included a community garden and food pantry. Personal barriers included food cost, physical limitations, and low self-efficacy, while external barriers involved lack of transportation and market distance. Facilitators focused on food preparation, and participants expressed interest in community nutrition programming.
HealthElderlyCommunityWelfare[Relationship between fruit and vegetable gardening and health-related factors: male community gardeners aged 50-74 years living in a suburban area of Japan].
2017Daisuke Machida, Tohru Yoshida · PubMed · Japan
A cross-sectional study in Gunma Prefecture, Japan, investigated the relationship between fruit and vegetable (FV) gardening and health-related factors among men aged 50-74. Community gardeners showed significant positive correlations between gardening frequency/time and perceived changes in FV intake and physical activity. Logistic regression models indicated that community gardeners had significantly greater physical activity, and other types of gardeners had greater FV intake, perceived neighborhood social cohesion, and less sitting time compared to non-gardeners.
CommunityHealthElderly고령자의 건강증진을 위한 지원주택의 공용공간 특성 분석
2017Cho-Hee 성초희Sung, Yeun-Sook 이연숙Lee · 한국실내디자인학회 학술발표대회 논문집 · South Korea (Seoul)
This study analyzed the characteristics of communal spaces in supportive housing for vulnerable elderly, focusing on their role in health promotion. Using the first supportive housing in Seoul, South Korea, as a case, 18 communal spaces, including a rooftop garden, were classified into five purpose types. The research found that communal spaces are largely related to social health, indicating a strong correlation between communal spaces and a sense of coherence for achieving salutogenesis.
ElderlyHealthCommunity도시농업 체험프로그램이 노인의 정신건강에 미치는 영향
2017강현경, 백승준 · · South Korea
This study conducted in South Korea investigated the effect of an urban agriculture experience program on the mental health of seniors over 65 years old. The experiment group, who participated in the program for over six months, showed statistically significantly lower stress scores related to loneliness and lower health-related stress levels compared to the control group, while the control group exhibited significantly higher depression levels. Urban agriculture activities were shown to stabilize sympathetic nerves and activate parasympathetic nerves in the elderly, increasing resistance against stress.
HealthElderlyFood educationStudy on Community Gardens for Village Development Projects
2017Jeong 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.
CommunityHealthElderlySociabilidades, laços e redes de vizinhança.: Quintais com vida
2017Maria 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.
CommunityElderlyHealthEffect of Urban Agriculture Experience Program on the Mental Health of the Elderly
2017Hyun‐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.
HealthElderlyFood educationCommunityGardening Activities and Physical Health Among Older Adults: A Review of the Evidence
2016Nicklett 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.
ElderlyHealthWelfareEffects of horticulture therapy on nursing home older adults in southern Taiwan
2016· Quality of Life Research · Taiwan
A study in southern Taiwan testing horticulture therapy on nursing home older adults' activities of daily living, happiness, meaning of life, and interpersonal intimacy, with the intervention group receiving weekly one-hour sessions for eight weeks and showing significant improvements.
ElderlyHealthBancos del Tiempo y Huertos Urbanos como herramientas para el Trabajo Social en la intervención gerontológica
2016Laura 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.
ElderlyCommunityWelfareCOMMUNITY GARDENS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS AND NURSING HOME COMMUNITIES, APARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH STUDY
2016Mary Ellen Mitchell-Rosen · NSUWorks (Nova Southeastern University) · United States
This participatory action research study in Broward County, Florida, investigated the experiences of geriatric populations and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities participating in a garden project with health professions students. The project aimed to address obesity, autism, mental health, and elderly services by providing healthy nutrition interventions and group garden activities. Data collection via focus group interviews is complete, and analysis is ongoing, but stakeholders have reported positive changes in nutritional choices and improved mental status among clients.
CommunityHealthWelfareElderlyFood educationAgricultura urbana como alternativa de seguridad alimentaria y nutricional : familias de la UPZ Marruecos, localidad Rafael Uribe Uribe, Bogotá
2016Monroy 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.
Food sovereignty & justiceHealthCommunityWelfareElderlyMunicipal community gardens in the metropolitan area of Milano. Assessment and planning criteria
2016Giulio Senes, Natalia Fumagalli, P. Ferrario, Daniele Gariboldi, Roberto Rovelli · Journal of Agricultural Engineering · Italy (Milano)
A study was conducted in 133 municipalities of the metropolitan area of Milano (excluding Milano city) to evaluate the presence of Municipal Community Gardens (MCGs) and define criteria for new MCG settlements. The study found that 59 municipalities had MCGs, with an average area per capita of 0.68 sq.m (excluding an outlier), and most MCGs were located in urban or suburban areas. Criteria proposed for identifying suitable areas for new MCGs included proximity to road networks within residential areas, suitable land use, and not high land capability, leading to the identification of the number and area of MCGs to be realized and their potentially suitable sites in each municipality.
CommunityPolicyElderlyPeri-urban agricultureAn Observation of Range-of-Motion Movements Illustrated by Elders whileGardening
2015Yun-Wen Betty Fletcher · ScholarSpace (University of Hawaii at Manoa) · United States
This observational study examined the range-of-motion movements demonstrated by elders while gardening in a community garden in Manoa, United States. A specific study instrument was used to identify the observed range of motion movements during their gardening activities.
ElderlyHealthCommunityThe Role of Urban Gardening for European’s Ageing Societies
2015Runrid Fox-Kämper · REAL CORP Repository (University of Southampton) · Europe
This paper explores the functions of urban gardening for European cities, with an emphasis on ageing societies. It presents research on living preferences of aged persons in four German cities, indicating the importance of green space access and social functions of urban gardens. The paper also includes a literature review on urban gardening's functions in European cities and initial results from the COST Action on urban allotment gardens.
ElderlyCommunityHealthClimate changeExercise Intensities of Gardening Tasks Within Older Adult Allotment Gardeners in Wales
2014Jemma Hawkins, Alexander D. Smith, Karianne Backx, Deborah A. Clayton · Journal of Aging and Physical Activity · United Kingdom (Wales)
To examine the exercise intensity of gardening activity for older adult allotment gardeners in Wales, oxygen consumption and energy expenditure for six gardening tasks were measured via indirect calorimetry. Estimated metabolic equivalent units (METs) were calculated from these measures. The six gardening tasks were classified as low to moderate-high intensity physical activities based on their metabolic values (1.9-5.7 METs).
ElderlyHealthCommunity부산 도시농업 활성화의 출발지, 도시농업공원 조성
2013금성근 · BDI 정책포커스 · South Korea
In Busan, South Korea, the necessity of urban agricultural parks is being raised to revitalize urban agriculture and solve urban problems. These parks are expected to expand family park functions, secure urban agriculture support centers, resolve land-use issues, and create leisure spaces and jobs for the elderly. Potential sites include damaged mountainous areas near Sanbok Road, the Nakdong River floodplain, and the former site of the Gangseo Horticultural Experiment Station.
CommunityPolicyElderly“Doing” Gardening and “Being” at the Allotment Site: Exploring the Benefits of Allotment Gardening for Stress Reduction and Healthy Aging
2013Jemma Hawkins, Jenny Mercer, Katie Thirlaway, Deborah A. Clayton · Ecopsychology · United Kingdom (Wales)
This study investigated the perceived health and well-being benefits of allotment gardening for community-dwelling older adults in Wales, UK, with a focus on stress recovery. Using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, the study found that participants valued both the active "doing" of gardening and the passive "being" at the allotment site. These aspects were reported to provide a wide range of benefits to their health and well-being, including links to stress reduction.
HealthElderlyCommunityUrban Senior Day Care Center Construction Supported by Vertical Farm
2012Rui Yang · Nanjing Linye Daxue xuebao · China (Nanjing)
This paper explores a new community endowment pattern by integrating vertical farms into urban senior day care centers, contrasting with traditional nursing homes. Focusing on the South Lake Community in Nanjing, China, it examines the specific construction of vertical farm landscapes to address the physical and mental health needs of the elderly in an aging society.
ElderlyWelfareCommunityDigital agriculture以“垂直农场”景观为依托的都市托老所营建
2012王丽蓉, Rui YANG · 南京林业大学学报：人文社会科学版 · China
This article discusses the construction of urban elderly care centers based on "vertical farm" landscapes in China, addressing rapid urbanization and an aging society. It proposes integrating vertical farms into elderly care facilities to offer recreational activities and physical labor, aiming to improve the mental and physical well-being of the elderly. The article explores new community-based elderly care models, drawing on practices in Nanjing's Nanhu community, by introducing a public participation system and green ecological landscape techniques.
ElderlyCommunityHealth수도권 도시민의 도시농업 참여실태
2011박은하, 오충현 · · South Korea (Seoul)
A 2011 study conducted in the Seoul metropolitan area of South Korea analyzed the participation status and demands regarding urban agriculture. The research involved interviews with urban agriculture site operators and participants from June to July 2011, and a survey of 153 general citizens who participated in a pocket garden event on September 3, 2011. The survey covered urban agriculture awareness, participation status, attitudes towards eco-friendly agriculture, produce safety, and activation measures.
CommunityHealthEconomicsElderlyAllotment Gardening and Other Leisure Activities for Stress Reduction and Healthy Aging
2011Jemma 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.
HealthElderlyCommunity