Identifying the Satisfactions Derived from Leisure Gardening by Older Adults

Abstract Gardening is a popular leisure activity among older adults in most Western countries. However, few systematic academic studies have focused on the benefits of gardening engaged in by this cohort. The purpose of this study was to identify the contribution of gardening to the leisure and life satisfaction of older adults. Self‐administered questionnaire surveys were completed by 433 older adults who were recruited at a ‘Gardening Australia Expo’ held in Brisbane, Queensland in April 2009. Findings of this study indicated that older adults obtained high levels of leisure satisfaction specifically from the relaxation, psychological and physiological aspects of gardening. Those whose engagement in gardening was at the level of serious leisure received the greatest satisfaction. Most participants reported that gardening contributed to their overall life satisfaction. Implications for future studies and leisure providers are discussed.