Project Grow: Establishing an Intergenerational Falls Prevention Gardening Programme

The key purpose of the study is to provide and test an intergenerational gardening project as a choice for about 30 IF & BHS patients who would otherwise decline exercise interventions. Patients previously assessed by Wandsworth Integrated Falls & Bone Health Services have identified gardening as an enjoyable alternative to exercise classes. Gardening sessions will take place weekly (aiming for 3 groups with 10 patients and 2-4 students and/or staff members of the University of Roehampton). Through engaging patients in gardening activities the study seeks to achieve 4 main aims: 1. Increase physical activity levels; 2. improve mental and physical health outcomes; 3. foster self-efficacy and social connectedness; 4. reduce the risk of falls. The at falls risk population will benefit by engaging in a meaningful activity (designed and supported by clinicians and aided by students and staff members) which delivers on the core principles of strength, power, balance and coordination.

Inclusion criteria

• Having had a Falls and Bone Health Assessment by the Integrated Falls and Bone Health Service (IF & BHS) Wandsworth
• Having falls or bone health risk factors but being able to mobilise without walking aids
• Having been assessed by IF & BHS as having capacity to take part in a gardening intervention programme
• Having indicated an interest in attending a gardening group following the IF & BHS assessment if they a) do not want to participate in any other elements of the IF & BHS programme or if they b) have completed other elements of the service offered by the IF & BHS, e.g. exercise groups, Nordic walking or Zumba gold.

Exclusion criteria

• Having a known diagnosis of dementia
• Not being able to adequately understand verbal explanations or written information given in English
• Having a falls risk profile that indicates that the individual has high falls risk in this context - this is a clinical decision and will take account of a number of variables including mobility (Timed up & Go of more than 20 sec) and their general health (e.g., large postural drop, uncontrolled diabetes, significant behaviour that challenges).