회상을 활용한 원예치료가 시설거주 치매노인의 자아존중감과 삶의 질에 미치는 영향

The Effects of Reminiscence-based Horticultural Therapy on Institutionalized Demented Elders’ Self-esteem and Quality of Life

This study was conducted to examine the effects of horticultural therapy based on reminiscence on institutionalized demented elders’ quality of life and self-esteem. For this study, 21 elders participated and they were assessed before and after the application of the program. The elders’ quality of life was enhanced significantly from 24.6 before horticultural therapy to 29.8 after. Their self-esteem was also improved significantly from 22.7 before horticultural therapy to 31.0 after. In the evaluation of horticultural activities, statistically significant improvement was observed in nine factors, which are participation, interest and assistance, verbal communication ability, interpersonal ability, cognitive and problem-solving ability, perceptual ability, self-concept and subjectivity, desire and impulse control ability, and skillfulness and work adaptability. As presented above, when a horticultural program based on reminiscence therapy was applied to demented elders as an indoor activity for their convenience, it was found effective in enhancing the demented elders’ quality of life and self-esteem.