Fit as a fiddle

This project aimed to tackle disadvantage in older people in a managed social housing residence in the developing Seaside area of Eastbourne. It aimed to achieve this by promoting a sustainable gardening club in this residence for men and women. It is known that gardening is good for body and mind; gardening is an activity that inspires research in many disciplines (York and Wiseman 2012). It offers moderate physical activity (Park 2006), stress reduction (Van Den berg and Custers 2010) and social interaction (Fieldhouse 2003, Fieldhouse and Sempik 2007). These are three key targets for health promotion.

The project leader fostered mutual benefit through developing a community gardening partnership between the University of Brighton School of Health Professions, residents and management of Eastbourne Homes, and Regional Age Concern (now Age UK).

Project aims

This project built on the lessons learned from the CUPP funded Gardening and Older People project. This original project aimed to establish a Community Gardening Partnership. During this project it became clear that an additional factor that needed to be considered was the actual introduction of the gardening as a sustainable activity.

Project impact

The project leader is developing a knowledge base, and potential model for successfully introducing a new and healthy activity to managed housing for older people. Impact as a direct result of this project:

  • Advisor to Eastbourne Borough Council local food initiative steering group
  • Advice sought by Housing Services Director of several sheltered housing schemes with large gardens about how to manage the balance between safety and encouraging participation in gardening activity.

Research team

Tania Wiseman School of Health Sciences

Output

Wiseman T, Sadlo G (2014) Gardening – an occupation for wellness and recovery, (Chapter in) International Handbook of Occupational Therapy Interventions 2nd Edition Springer New York.

Edwards L, Wiseman T (2012) Gardens: opportunities and threats from an occupational
perspective. College of Occupational Therapists Annual Conference, SECC Glasgow, Scotland, June 2012. Poster presentation. Abstract published in proceedings, Poster added to F1000 poster repository.

O’Meara E, Wiseman T (2012) Garden design and planning in sheltered housing accommodation for older people. College of Occupational Therapists Annual Conference. SECC Glasgow, Scotland, June 2012. Poster presentation. Abstract published in proceedings, Poster added to F1000 poster repository.

Newton K , Wiseman T (2010) Gardening together: the experience of starting a community gardening group, College of occupational therapists annual conference. June 2010. Paper presentation: Abstract published in proceedings.

Partners

Eastbourne Homes residence and managers

Age UK