GREEN SPACE FOR ACTIVE LIVING. OLDER ADULTS PERSPECTIVES

Green Age research project are going to evaluate the benefits linked to the use of green spaces by different categories of elderly people.

The research is applied to a green area in the historic Ortica district of Milan connected to two nursing homes. During the winter season the construction of the garden was completed and the activities will restart as soon as possible.

In a first phase of the research, the level of perceived well-being and environmental connection by the RSA guests was assessed, through involvement in activities carried out in the garden (conversation, reading, storytelling) and the measurement of both psychological parameters (measure of attentional regeneration) and physiological (such as variation in salivary cortisol level).

At the same time, the participatory design and construction of the garden continued on the basis of the indications and needs highlighted in the previous phase. In the garden where there are now about fifty species of plants, a paved path has been created, a central area for gathering, a play area equipped for children and natural furnishings installed. The Municipality of Milan took part in the construction by renovating the entrance.

In addition to the Statale, the study involved the University of the Aosta Valley and Cascina Biblioteca; “Anni Azzurri” group that will take care of maintenance for the next few years.”

WEBSITE

https://it-it.facebook.com/giardinosanfaustino/

Contacts:

Natalia Fumagalli

Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

tel +39 02 50316850

mail: natalia.fumagalli@unimi.it