What the research says about gardening and older adults.
BlümWell is informed by a growing body of published research exploring horticultural activities, quality of life, mood, social connection, physical function, cognition, and well-being among older adults.
A 2024 review included 1,629 older adults across 11 countries.
Research points to benefits across physical, emotional, and social well-being.
The findings below come from published systematic reviews and meta-analyses examining horticultural activities among older adults.
Better quality of life and physical function
A review of 15 studies involving 1,046 older adults found horticultural activities were associated with better quality of life, improved physical function, and more positive mood.
Lower depressive symptoms
A review focused on older adults with depression found significant reductions in depressive symptoms. Hands-on participation produced stronger results than simply observing horticultural activities.
Improved social interaction
A 32-study review found horticultural activities were associated with improved social interaction, lower stress, and better physical flexibility.
Evidence from settings closer to the communities BlümWell serves.
A systematic review focused on older adults living in residential institutions included 21 studies and 1,214 participants.
Research has also examined horticultural programs for older adults with dementia.
A 2024 meta-analysis of 9 randomized controlled trials involving 655 older adults with dementia reported improvements in cognitive function, depressive symptoms, activities of daily living, and quality of life.
Explore the studies behind our approach.
We focus on research that helps us better understand how gardening and horticultural activities may support older adults.
Horticultural Therapy in Older Adults Without Dementia
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 27 studies involving 1,629 older adults from 11 countries.
Read on PubMed →Horticultural Therapy in Older Adults With Dementia
A meta-analysis of 9 randomized controlled trials involving 655 older adults diagnosed with dementia.
Read on PubMed →Horticultural Therapy in Residential Institutions
A systematic review of 21 studies involving 1,214 older adults in residential settings.
Read on PubMed →Horticultural Therapy and Depression in Older Adults
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 studies involving 698 older adults with depression.
Read on PubMed →Horticultural Therapy for General Health in Older Adults
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 studies involving 1,046 older adults.
Read on PubMed →Horticultural Activities, Stress, Memory & Quality of Life
An 8-week study of 86 community-dwelling older adults examining quality of life, perceived stress, and working memory.
Read on PubMed →Research-informed, not research-overstated.
These studies evaluate horticultural activities and horticultural therapy broadly — not BlümWell specifically. We use the growing evidence base to inform how we think about accessibility, participation, structured activities, routine, social connection, and resident experience.
See how BlümWell turns these ideas into a year-round program.
Explore how the indoor garden, Garden Club programming, seasonal refreshes, and staff support work together.