A company in a bid to improve health of senior citizens, has launched healing garden intervention projects in two private elderly care homes in Lagos. Bloom Social Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) was created to enhance psychological outcomes and overall quality of life for the elderly by incorporating nature and sensory stimulation into their care.
Public Health and Sustainability expert, Funmi Akindejoye, who led the team, said research had shown that access to green spaces could positively impact mental health and well-being, adding that use of plants and gardening activities in therapeutic and rehabilitation settings has improved quality of life for aging populations worldwide.
According to Akindejoye, in developing countries like Nigeria, potential benefits of healing gardens in care homes are not well understood.
“Some individuals are just starting to embrace the concept of care homes. Thus, there is need to support and improve the quality of care in the few available homes,” she noted.
The expert also said that the project is supported by the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Society UK and Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI).
