Nature-Based Interventions Targeting Elderly People’s Health and Well-Being: An Evidence Map

Giulia Catissi, Gabriela Gouveia, Roberta Maria Savieto, Cristiane Pavanello Rodrigues Silva, Raquel Simões de Almeida, Gustavo Benvenutti Borba, Kaue Alves Rosario and Eliseth Ribeiro Leão ()
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Giulia Catissi: Albert Einstein Israeli Faculty of Health Sciences, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05651-901, Brazil
Gabriela Gouveia: A Beneficência Portuguesa de São Paulo, São Paulo 01323-001, Brazil
Roberta Maria Savieto: Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Education and Research Center, São Paulo 05651-901, Brazil
Cristiane Pavanello Rodrigues Silva: Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Santa Maria Health School, 4000-088 Porto, Portugal
Raquel Simões de Almeida: Psychosocial Rehabilitation Laboratory (LabRP-CIR, ESS), Polytechnic of Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
Gustavo Benvenutti Borba: Department of Electronics-DAELN, Graduate School on Biomedical Engineering—PPGEB, Federal University of Technology-Paraná—UTFPR, Curitiba 80230-901, Brazil
Kaue Alves Rosario: Department of Electronics-DAELN, Graduate School on Biomedical Engineering—PPGEB, Federal University of Technology-Paraná—UTFPR, Curitiba 80230-901, Brazil
Eliseth Ribeiro Leão: Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Education and Research Center, São Paulo 05651-901, Brazil

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 1, 1-19

Abstract: Background: Healthy aging encompasses more than the absence of disease, emphasizing the preservation of functional abilities for enhanced well-being and quality of life. Nature-based interventions are scientifically proven contributors to healthy aging. Objective: To develop an evidence map showcasing nature-based interventions targeting older individuals’ health and well-being. Methods: The evidence map was developed through critical analysis of systematic reviews and clinical trials utilizing the tools AMSTAR2 and CONSORT. A systematic search spanning the past decade was conducted across databases: Cochrane, SCOPUS, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and LILACS. Results: Twelve articles met the eligibility criteria. Nature-based interventions such as forest bathing, hiking, therapeutic gardens, virtual reality, and forest sounds were identified. Outcomes were categorized into physical aspects (cardiovascular and pulmonary; neuro-immuno-endocrinological) and mental/behavioral aspects. The final map integrated interventions, outcomes, and quality assessments. Conclusions: The survey highlights the positive impact of nature-based interventions on the health of the elderly. This study provides insights across various domains, fostering the development of programs and policies in management to promote healthy aging. Regarding healthcare, it encourages discourse among professionals regarding the integration of nature-based practices for equitable care in both individual and group settings. Furthermore, it underscores the need for research in the Southern Hemisphere, particularly in Brazil, where the study was conducted.

Keywords: healthy aging; health promotion; nature (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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