Nature-Based Group Activities Improve Mental Health in Care Home Residents
Research published in Psychology Today in September 2025 found that nature-based group activities improved mental health among care home residents in the UK. According to Kings Acre Care and other sources, exposure to natural environments and activities like gardening and flower arranging reduced stress, anxiety, and loneliness by promoting social interaction and lowering cortisol levels.
The study published in Psychology Today in September 2025 highlights forest bathing as a mindful practice involving immersion in forest environments using all five senses to support emotional health in care settings. Kings Acre Care, a UK-based provider, reported that exposure to natural environments lowers cortisol levels, which reduces stress and anxiety among care home residents. The organization confirmed that greenery’s calming effects have been scientifically verified. Osprey Court Care, another UK care provider, emphasized that nature therapy, also known as ecotherapy, encourages social interaction through group gardening activities, which helps lessen loneliness in older adults.
Kings Acre Care officials noted that spending time outdoors breaks the monotony of indoor environments and reconnects residents with their surroundings, helping to combat isolation and depression.
A systematic review published in 2021 on PubMed Central (PMC8498096) supports gardening as an effective nature-based intervention (NBI) for mental health benefits in adults, including those living in community-based care homes. EveryLIFE Technologies, which specializes in care solutions, recommended flower arranging as an indoor nature-themed activity that enhances relaxation, creativity, and socialization for care home residents. The combination of outdoor and indoor nature activities contributes to improved mental well-being, according to these sources.
Additional research from Psychology Today describes wilderness therapy, which involves structured outdoor activities such as challenging hikes or camping, as a means to foster resilience. A capstone project from ScholarWorks at Western Michigan University found that one-third of older adult participants reported increased connectedness to nature after four interactive sessions. The PMC review further indicated that nature-based interventions lasting eight to 12 weeks with sessions of 20 to 90 minutes are optimal for mental health improvements in adults with pre-existing conditions.
Blue space interventions, which involve water environments such as lakes, were also identified by Psychology Today as beneficial for cognitive health in care home groups. Osprey Court Care highlighted the importance of therapeutic gardens designed with wide paths and benches to ensure safe walking and accessibility for residents of all abilities. Kings Acre Care linked garden walks to cognitive benefits for residents with dementia, noting reductions in agitation and enhancements in focus through gentle exercise. EveryLIFE Technologies suggested that indoor plants placed in communal areas mimic the benefits of nature and improve mood for residents who have limited outdoor access.
Care farming, which connects residents to farming tasks as part of therapeutic programs, was mentioned in Psychology Today as a method to boost mental resilience. The 2021 PMC review confirmed that green exercise and nature-based therapy significantly improve outcomes for individuals with mental health challenges in care-like settings. The ScholarWorks program also provided education on nature’s mental health benefits, resulting in sustained interest in group nature activities among older adults. Osprey Court Care uses digital tools to personalize nature programs and track resident engagement to tailor mental health support. Kings Acre Care promotes mindfulness practices in gardens, encouraging residents to focus on present sounds such as leaves rustling to build emotional resilience.
Environmental volunteerism, including habitat restoration projects, was noted by Psychology Today as beneficial for both mental health and the environment among care home groups. Osprey Court Care reported improvements in mood, cognitive engagement, and physical health linked to access to therapeutic gardens. EveryLIFE Technologies cautioned about potential allergies but endorsed the use of plants for indoor decoration to provide nature’s soothing effects. ScholarWorks sessions combined literature education with art activities, helping participants acquire knowledge about nature’s mental health benefits. The PMC review observed limited evidence for physical health improvements but strong mental health gains from gardening in diverse populations, including care home residents.
Nature play and education were also recognized by Psychology Today for boosting creativity and well-being, making them suitable for unstructured group play in care homes. Kings Acre Care highlighted the provision of shaded resting spots to ensure accessibility and promote regular outdoor emotional health routines. Osprey Court Care integrated virtual reality nature experiences for immobile residents, ensuring equitable access to mental well-being benefits. The Australian Research Institute for Inclusive Ageing (ARIIA) knowledge hub cited nature-based activities as evidence-based approaches for cognitive stimulation and fall risk reduction in residential care settings. The September 2025 Psychology Today report concluded that nature is a vital component of mental health care and should be integrated alongside traditional clinical therapies.
A synthesis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the PMC review affirmed the effectiveness of nature-based interventions for community-dwelling adults, with gardening being particularly prominent in care home contexts. The ScholarWorks ESC program in Kalamazoo, Michigan, supported occupational therapists’ roles in facilitating nature groups for health promotion among older adults. Osprey Court Care trains staff in nature therapy applications, embedding these practices into daily care routines to support holistic emotional health. Kings Acre Care verified research findings on lowered cortisol levels from fresh air exposure, which aids anxiety management in care environments. EveryLIFE Technologies also advocates for nature-related crafts, such as painting, to foster creativity, social bonds, and mental relaxation indoors.
These findings build on a growing body of evidence supporting the integration of nature-based activities into care home settings. Researchers and care providers continue to explore optimal program durations, accessibility adaptations, and personalized approaches to maximize mental health benefits for older adults in residential care.
