Proposition d’un modèle intégratif concernant les bénéfices psychologiques du jardinage chez les personnes âgées

This review of the literature tackles the question of the psychological benefits
linked to gardening in older adults. First, the current data on these benefits are reviewed, and
the findings reveal that gardening is linked to feelings of accomplishment, well-being and
peace, a decrease of depressive symptoms, a protective effect on cognitive functions as
well as the development of social links for community living older adults. In institutionalized
older adults, gardening promotes internal locus of control and well-being, and is related to a
decrease of sadness and anxiety. Second, several explanatory theories are discussed. All of
them postulate an action on the cognitive and/or emotional spheres, which were included
into a integrated model that must be tested in future research. In conclusion, gardening
appears to be a beneficial activity for promoting older adults’ functioning but the current
knowledge still has to be extended to understand the specific mechanisms of action. This
deeper understanding is necessary in order to improve the future actions depending on this
activity.