Horticultural Therapy Horticultural Therapy for the Cognitive Functioning of Elderly People Elderly People with Dementia

Abstract

Horticultural therapy is an intervention using a set of -recreational activities that include the beneficial effect of plants and nature for the prevention or treatment of illness. The intervention is not limited either by the -client's age or illness. The aim is to improve the patients' quality of life (QOL) (Fukushima et al. 2005). This cost-effective therapy has advantages at the community level compared with other therapies. This chapter discusses the benefits of using horticultural therapy with a focus on cognitive function among elderly people with dementia. Horticultural therapy using a periodic and effective method may improve cognitive and psychosocial functioning of elderly people with dementia. © Springer Science + Business Media, LLC 2009.