Journal of People, Plants, and Environment (인간식물환경학회지)

Society For People, Plants, And Environment (인간식물환경학회)
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Qualitative Assessment of Experience on Urban Forest Therapy Program for Preventing Dementia of the Elderly Living Alone in Low-Income Class

  • Lee, Hyun Jin (Interdisciplinary Program in Landscape Architecture, Seoul National University) ;
  • Son, Sung Ae (Department of Forest Therapy, Graduate School of Chungbuk National University)
  • Received : 2018.10.30
  • Accepted : 2018.11.21
  • Published : 2018.12.31
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Abstract

Previous studies have shown that forest therapy program can help prevent dementia. However, few studies have focused on low-income elderly people living alone. The current study examined the meanings that the elderly living alone receiving medical care assigned to the urban forest therapy program, as a way to understand the pathways that nature-based intervention affect preventing dementia. Twenty-one participants were recruited and they participated in a five-week urban forest therapy program. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 21 participants who experienced the urban forest therapy program, and analyzed qualitative data using thematic analysis. Results showed that all themes identified were related to connectedness with oneself, neighbors and nature. Awarenesses of change were consisted of positive and negative themes. The themes of positive awareness were improvements of mental and emotional condition, feelings of isolation and loneliness, and health-related lifestyle. The negative themes were terminations of short-term programs and inconvenient access to the urban forest. Based on these data, we suggest an urban green welfare framework for future research and interventions for preventing dementia of underprivileged elderly group.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

Supported by : Korea Forest Welfare Institute

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