Curriculum Design, Feasibility, and Acceptability of a Synchronous Online Indoor-Gardening Social Group: A Pilot-Project

Update Item Information
Identifier 2021_Aruscavage
Title Curriculum Design, Feasibility, and Acceptability of a Synchronous Online Indoor-Gardening Social Group: A Pilot-Project
Creator Aruscavage, Nancy
Subject Aged; Self-Help Groups; Online Social Networking; Hobbies; Gardening; Social Interaction; Social Isolation; Loneliness; Leisure Activities; Self Concept; Self Efficacy; Social Support; Health Promotion; User-Computer Interface; Virtual Reality; Pilot Projects
Description Insufficient social connectedness and social isolation can result from various factors such as living in a rural location, access to transportation or, more recently, the Covid-19 pandemic. older adults who lack opportunities for positive social interaction are at risk of negatively affecting their well-being by exacerbating chronic conditions and creating feelings of loneliness. Problem: Gardening is an established leisure-time activity for older adults that can provide opportunities for social interact ion. However, for community-dwelling adults who share this interest but unable to attend in-person groups, there is a lack of virtual gardening groups available for this hobby. Purpose: The purpose of this project is to fill a gap in current programming offered for older adults with two specific aims, to design the curriculum for a synchronous online indoor-gardening social group, and to test the feasibility and acceptability of a virtual gardening social group. Results: Qualitative data support the feasibility and acceptability of a virtual gardening social group. The small sample size and the self-perceived positive social connectedness of the participants created a ceiling effect making it inconclusive as to its effects on one's sense of belonging. Conclusion: This project was successful in providing meaningful social interactions and participants felt the program was effective and a beneficial use of their time. While not perfect in execution or design, positive group feedback supports the viability of an online gardening group.
Publisher Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library, University of Utah
Date 2021
Language eng
Rights Management Copyright © Nancy Aruscavage 2021
Holding Institution Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library, University of Utah
Name Nancy Aruscavage
Type Text
ARK ark:/87278/s6v185wc
Setname ehsl_gerint
ID 1713223
Reference URL https://collections.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s6v185wc
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