Views of greenery and psychological well-being in residential aged care facilities : Longitudinal associations

Objectives:
This study examined associations of objectively measured views of greenery in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) with changes in multiple psychological well-being measures among residents who were newly admitted to RACFs.

Methods:
Data were collected from 52 residents (mean age: 84, 73% women) of 13 RACFs, located in Melbourne, Australia. The outcomes were changes in depression, stress, anxiety, and quality of life (QoL) between baseline and 8-week follow-up. The exposure measures were the amount and presence of greenery visible from participant’s bedroom and common areas (lounge, dining). Greenery was categorized as being either within or beyond the RACF perimeter.

Results:
Regression analyses found that greenery visible from participant’s bedroom was not associated with any outcomes. The amount of greenery visible from common areas within the RACF perimeter was adversely related to stress, unexpectedly: Each additional 1 m2 of greenery was associated with a greater increase in stress (b = 0.05; 95% CI [0.07, 0.94]). However, greenery visible from common areas beyond the perimeter contributed favorably to stress and QoL. The presence of such greenery was associated with a lower increase in stress (b = −3.99; 95% CI [−7.75, −0.23]; reference: no greenery), and a 1 m2 increment was associated with a greater increase in QoL (b = 0.07; 95% CI [0.02, 0.11]).

Conclusion:
Views of greenery outside of the RACF from lounge and dining areas may be protective against residents’ stress increase and improve their QoL. Locating residents in areas with such outdoor views may prevent their psychological condition from worsening.