Nature-based interventions for older adults: A systematic review of intervention types and methods, health effects, and pathways

The review aims to identify nature-based intervention, their physical and psychological health effects, and the theoretical underpinnings leading to any effects among older adults.

The review will focus on studies reporting older adults aged 65 or above. It will include nature-based interventions that are programmes, activities or strategies that engage people in experiencing elements of nature (planting/ water/ wildlife) and the specific goal of achieving improved health and well-being outcomes.

There are three objectives to be obtained by the review: 1) To identify the intervention strategies (e.g., an activity) utilising nature (defined as using planting or vegetation in the process or in spaces with planting or vegetation) in improving health outcomes, both physical and psychological for older adults. 2) To identify the types of health effects among interventions identified for objective 1 for older adults. 3) To examine the pathways associating specific forms of natural exposure and health outcomes.