Background: Horticultural therapy (HT) is an emerging non-pharmacological intervention in gerontological care, with evidence supporting its benefits for psychological well-being, social engagement, and functional participation among older adults in long-term care. These outcomes align with European priorities in person-centered and psychosocial approaches to aged care. However, evidence from Middle Eastern nursing home settings remains limited. This study explored frail nursing home residents’ experiences following participation in a structured horticultural therapy program in Lebanon.
Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was conducted in two purposively selected nursing homes. Fifteen older residents participated in semi-structured interviews following an eight-week HT intervention delivered twice weekly. Participant observation during sessions complemented interview data. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis, with field notes enhancing contextual interpretation.
Results: Four themes emerged: (1) Engaging the senses and emotions, (2) Restoring confidence and sense of purpose, (3) Experiencing joy through social connection, and (4) Reminiscence, storytelling, and meaningful reflection. Participants described HT as a meaningful and emotionally enriching activity that fostered engagement, identity reinforcement, and interpersonal connection. The intervention was perceived as restoring structure, purpose, and emotional vitality in daily nursing home life.
Conclusions: This study contributes novel evidence from a resource-constrained Middle Eastern context to the international gerontological literature on scalable, low-cost psychosocial interventions in residential care. Findings support horticultural therapy as a feasible and culturally adaptable approach that promotes person-centered care and enhances quality of life among frail older adults. HT may offer a transferable model for enriching psychosocial care in long-term care settings globally.

Authors:
Marina Gharibian, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
May Adra, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
Nour Abdallah, American University of Beirut, Lebanon

About the Presenter(s)
Marina Gharibian Adra
Clinial associate professor
Research
Growing Together: Effects of an Intergenerational Horticultural Program on Social Connectedness and Well-Being Among Older Residents and Senior Nursing Students.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

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