Watering plants lowers blood pressure and anxiety in older adults
New research shows that just 10 minutes of watering indoor plants can lower blood pressure and induce a state of alert relaxation in older adults, offering a simple way to boost mental and physical well-being.
A recent study found that watering indoor plants for just 10 minutes can lower blood pressure and decrease anxiety in older adults. Conducted by researchers in China, the trial compared this gardening task to playing a computer game. Published in the Hong Kong Journal of Occupational Therapy, the research suggests that the activity provides measurable physical and mental health benefits.
As people age, structured leisure activities become crucial for maintaining mental and physical health. Occupational therapists often recommend non-pharmacological interventions like horticultural therapy to help older adults manage stress and preserve their motor skills. Interacting with plants offers sensory stimulation and a gentle form of physical exercise.
Previous research has linked gardening to improved self-esteem, better hand coordination, and reduced feelings of isolation. To measure these benefits, scientists measured physiological changes like blood pressure and brain activity. In this experiment, 100 older women in a nursing care facility participated in a crossover trial.
Half spent 10 minutes watering 15 small indoor potted plants, while the other half played a digital game of Klondike Solitaire. After switching tasks the next day, researchers measured blood pressure and used an EEG to monitor brain activity. The results showed that watering the plants led to immediate drops in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, indicating a calming effect on the autonomic nervous system.
The study also found increased alpha wave activity and heightened beta wave activity during plant care, suggesting immediate mental relaxation and heightened attentiveness. These findings contrast with the computer game, which did not produce the same relaxing physical changes. Participants reported feeling less anxious and more comfortable after tending to the plants.
While the study is limited by its single session design, it highlights the potential benefits of brief interactions with nature for older adults.
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