Why Do Older Adults Garden?

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to profile older adults who garden for pleasure and to analyze whether gardeners could be segmented into specific types based on their motivations for gardening. A mail survey which included the Leisure Motivation Scale (Beard & Ragheb, 1983) and socio-demographic and health-related questions was sent to all 499 volunteers-303 responded with usable data. The results indicated seven motivational factors for gardening: (1) intellectual, (2) stimulus-avoidance, (3) friendship building, (4) social interaction, (5) physical fitness, (6) skill-development, and (7) creativity. Significant differences among marital status, education and health status were found. Implications for recreation therapists, activity professionals, and leisure service providers are provided.