The Psychosocial Benefits of Exposure to Natural Settings in Long-term Care: An Evaluation of the Wellness Garden Program at Glacier Hills Retirement Community

The Wellness Garden Program at Glacier Hills Retirement Community promotes the health and well-being of older adults by providing residents with the opportunity to take part in meaningful activities in a natural setting. Through participation in activities such as gardening, natural history lessons, walking groups, and intergenerational activities, residents of Glacier Hills maintain and extend their cognitive and physical abilities, develop social networks, and find emotional and spiritual solace. Qualitative interviews revealed that residents felt time spent in the Wellness Garden was indeed linked to maintaining and improving their personal health and well-being. Residents stated that the Wellness Garden provided them with invigoration, fresh air, beauty, a place to be with family, a chance to forget about illness, opportunities to learn new things, spiritual inspiration, and hope. This informal study points to the important role the environment plays in promoting human well-being. Further formalized research is needed to determine the health outcomes associated with exposure to specific landscapes in longterm care settings.