GROWING MINDS: EVALUATING THE EFFECT OF GARDENING ONQUALITY OF LIFE AND OBESITY IN OLDER ADULTS
A ThesisbyAIME JO SOMMERFELD LILLARDSubmitted to the Office of Graduate Studies of Texas A&M Universityin partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCEDecember 2008Major Subject: Horticulture
GROWING MINDS: EVALUATING THE EFFECT OF GARDENING ONQUALITY OF LIFE AND OBESITY IN OLDER ADULTS
A ThesisbyAIME JO SOMMERFELD LILLARDSubmitted to the Office of Graduate Studies of Texas A&M Universityin partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCEApproved by:Chair of Committee, Jayne M. Zajicek
Committee Members, Tina M. Waliczek CadeGary E. BriersHead of Department, Tim D. DavisDecember 2008Major Subject: Horticulture
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ABSTRACT
Growing Minds: Evaluating the Effect of Gardening on Quality of Life and Obesity inOlder Adults. (December 2008)Aime Jo Sommerfeld Lillard, B.S., Texas A&M UniversityChair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Jayne M. Zajicek Older adults represent a growing part of the population of the United States. Dueto decreased physical activity, dietary changes, and alterations in metabolic rate thispopulation is susceptible to an increased rate of diseases. The generation entering olderadulthood is one which welcomed fast food and meal replacement foods allowing themto adapt to a more sedentary lifestyle and to need programs of preventative health.The Nutrition and Life Satisfaction Survey was used to investigate gardening as apreventative health intervention for older adults. This instrument was used to compareolder (age 50+) gardeners and nongardeners on their perceptions of personal lifesatisfaction, nutrition, health, and gardening habits. The instrument was posted online atthe Aggie Horticulture website in spring 2005. Respondents differentiated themselves asgardeners or nongardeners by responding positively or negatively to the question “Doyou garden?” Then, they completed the questionnaire about their quality of life andhealth status and, for gardeners, their gardening habits.Results indicated that gardeners had more desirable responses: Overall quality of life scores were higher for gardeners compared to nongardeners, and four individual
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Growing Minds: Evaluating the Effect of Gardening on Quality of Life and Obesity in Older Adults
Growing Minds: Evaluating the Effect of Gardening on Quality of Life and Obesity in Older Adults
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