Associations of Vigorous Gardening With Cardiometabolic Risk Markers for Middle-Aged and Older Adults

in Journal of Aging and Physical Activity

Click name to view affiliation

Jonathan KingsleySchool of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Centre of Urban Transitions, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Search for other papers by Jonathan Kingsley in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
*
,
Nyssa HadgraftCentre of Urban Transitions, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Search for other papers by Nyssa Hadgraft in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Neville OwenCentre of Urban Transitions, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Search for other papers by Neville Owen in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Takemi SugiyamaCentre of Urban Transitions, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Search for other papers by Takemi Sugiyama in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
David W. DunstanCentre of Urban Transitions, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Search for other papers by David W. Dunstan in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Manoj ChandraboseCentre of Urban Transitions, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Search for other papers by Manoj Chandrabose in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
Restricted access

This study investigates the associations of vigorous-intensity gardening time with cardiometabolic health risk markers. This cross-sectional study (AusDiab) analyzed 2011–2012 data of 3,664 adults (55% women, mean [range], age = 59.3 [34–94] years) in Australia. Multiple linear regression models examined associations of time spent participating in vigorous gardening (0, <150 min/week, ≥150 min/week) with a clustered cardiometabolic risk (CMR) score and its components, for the whole sample and stratified by age and gender. Of participants, 61% did no vigorous gardening, 23% reported <150 min/week, and 16% reported ≥150 min/week. In the whole sample, spending ≥150 min/week in vigorous gardening was associated with lower CMR (lower CMR score, waist circumference, diastolic blood pressure, and triglycerides) compared with no vigorous gardening. Stratified analyses suggested that these associations were almost exclusively observed for older adults and women. These findings suggest the public health potential of vigorous-intensity gardening in reducing CMR.

  • Collapse
  • Expand
  • Alley, S.J., Schoeppe, S., Rebar, A.L., Hayman, M., & Vandelanotte, C. (2018). Age differences in physical activity intentions and implementation intention preferences. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 41(3), 406415. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-017-9899-y

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Artmann, M., Chen, X., Iojă, C., Hof, A., Onose, D., Poniży, L., Lamovšek, A.Z., … Breuste, J. (2017). The role of urban green spaces in care facilities for elderly people across European cities. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 27, 203213. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2017.08.007

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Ashton-Shaeffer, C., & Constant, A. (2006). Why do older adults garden? Activities Adaptation & Aging, 30(2), 118. https://doi.org/10.1300/j016v30n02_01

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Audate, P.P., Fernandez, M.A., Cloutier, G., & Lebel, A. (2019). Scoping review of the impacts of urban agriculture on the determinants of health. BMC Public Health, 19(1), 672. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-6885-z

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Australian Institute of Health & Welfare. (2003). The active Australia survey: A guide and manual for implementation, analysis and reporting. Retrieved from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/physical-activity/active-australia-survey/summary

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Bail, J.R., Frugé, A.D., Cases, M.G., De Los Santos, J., Locher, J.L., Smith, K.P., Cantor, A.B., Cohen, H.J., … Demark-Wahnefried, W. (2018). A home-based mentored vegetable gardening intervention demonstrates feasibility and improvements in physical activity and performance among breast cancer survivors. Cancer, 124(16), 34273435. https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.31559

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Bull, F.C., Al-Ansari, S.S., Biddle, S., Borodulin, K., Buman, M.P., Cardon, G., Carty, C., Chaput, J-P., Chastin, S., Chou, R., Dempsey, P.C., DiPietro, L., Ekelund, U., Firth, J., Friedenreich, C.M., Garcia, L., Gichu, M., Jago, R., Katzmarzyk, P.T., … Willumsen, J.F. (2020). World Health Organization 2020 guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 54(24), 14511462. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2020-102955

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Cepic, S., Tomicevic-Dubljevic, J., & Zivojinovic, I. (2020). Is there a demand for collective urban gardens? Needs and motivations of potential gardeners in Belgrade. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 53, Article 126716. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2020.126716

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Chalmin-Pui, L.S., Roe, J., Griffiths, A., Smyth, N., Heaton, T., Clayden, A., & Cameron, R. (2021). “It made me feel brighter in myself”—The health and well-being impacts of a residential front garden horticultural intervention. Landscape and Urban Planning, 205, Article 103958. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2020.103958

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Chen, T.Y., & Janke, M.C. (2012). Gardening as a potential activity to reduce falls in older adults. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 20(1), 1531. https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.20.1.15

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Cheng, E.(H.-P.), Stebbins, R., & Packer, J. (2017). Serious leisure among older gardeners in Australia. Leisure Studies, 36(4), 505551. https://doi.org/10.1080/02614367.2016.1188137

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • de Bell, S., White, M., Griffiths, A., Darlow, A., Taylor, T., Wheeler, B., & Lovell, R. (2020). Spending time in the garden is positively associated with health and wellbeing: Results from a national survey in England. Landscape and Urban Planning, 200, 103836. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2020.103836

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Dunstan, D.W., Zimmet, P.Z., Welborn, T.A., Cameron, A.J., Shaw, J., de Courten, M., Jolley, D., Mccarty, D.J., … AusDiab Steering Committee. (2002). The Australian diabetes, obesity and lifestyle study (AusDiab)—Methods and response rates. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 57(2), 119129. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0168-8227(02)00025-6

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Egerer, M., Ordóňez, C., Lin, B.B., & Kendal, D. (2019). Multicultural gardeners and park users benefit from and attach diverse values to urban nature spaces. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 46, Article 126445. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2019.126445

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Hawkins, E.L., Smith, A., Backx, K., & Clayton, D.A. (2015). Exercise intensities of gardening tasks within older adult allotment gardeners in Wales. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 23(2), 161168. https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2013-0171

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Howarth, M., Brettle, A., Hardman, M., & Maden, M. (2020). What is the evidence for the impact of gardens and gardening on health and well-being: A scoping review and evidence-based logic model to guide healthcare strategy decision making on the use of gardening approaches as a social prescription. BMJ Open, 10(7), e036923. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-036923

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Kingsley, J., Egerer, M., Nuttman, S., Keniger, L., Pettitt, P., Frantzeskaki, N., Gray, T., Ossola, A., Lin, B., Bailey, A., Tracey, D., Barron, S., … Marsh, P. (2021). Urban agriculture as a nature-based solution to address socio-ecological challenges in Australian cities. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 60, Article 127059. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2021.127059

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Kingsley, J., Foenander, E., & Bailey A. (2019). “You feel like you’re part of something bigger”: Exploring motivations for community garden participation in Melbourne, Australia. BMC Public Health, 19(1), 745. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-7108-3

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Kingsley, J., Foenander, E., & Bailey, A. (2020). “It’s about community”: Exploring social capital in community gardens across Melbourne, Australia. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 49, Article 126640. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2020.126640

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Kondo, M.C., South, E.C., & Branas, C.C. (2015). Nature-based strategies for improving urban health and safety. Journal of Urban Health, 92(5), 800814. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11524-015-9983-y

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Litt, J.S., Lambert, J.R., & Glueck, D.H. (2017). Gardening and age-related weight gain: Results from a cross-sectional survey of Denver residents. Preventive Medicine Reports, 8, 221225. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2017.10.018

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Litt, J.S., Soobader, M.J., Turbin, M.S., Hale, J.W., Buchenau, M., & Marshall, J.A. (2011). The influence of social involvement, neighborhood aesthetics, and community garden participation on fruit and vegetable consumption. American Journal of Public Health, 101(8), 14661473. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2010.300111

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Ogura, A., Izawa, K.P., Tawa, H., Kureha, F., Wada, M., Harada, N., Ikeda, Y., Kimura, K., Kondo, N., Kanai, M., Kubo, I., Yoshikawa, R., … Matsuda, Y. (2021). Older phase 2 cardiac rehabilitation patients engaged in gardening maintained physical function during the COVID-19 pandemic. Heart Vessels, 16. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00380-021-01892-1

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Oppert, J-M., Charles, M.A., Charreire, H., Menai, M., Bourdeaudhuij, I.D., Brage, S., de Lauzon-Guillain, B., Fagherazzi, G., … Balkau, B. (2016). Home and work physical activity environments: Associations with cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity level in French women. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 13(8), 824. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph13080824

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Park, S., Lee, A., Lee, K., & Son, K. (2014). Gardening tasks performed by adults are moderate-to high-intensity physical activities. HortTechnology, 24(1), 5863. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH.24.1.58

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Park, S., Lee, A., Park, H., Son, K., Kim, D., & Lee, W. (2017). Gardening intervention as a low- to moderate intensity physical activity for improving blood lipid profiles, blood pressure, inflammation, and oxidative stress in women over the age of 70: A pilot study. HortScience, 52(1), 200205. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI11232-16

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Piercy, K.L., Troiano, R.P., Ballard, R.M., Carlson, S.A., Fulton, J.E., Galuska, D.A., George, S.M., … Olson, R.D. (2018). The physical activity guidelines for Americans. JAMA, 320(19), 20202028. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2018.14854

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Robson, J.P., & Troutman-Jordan, M.L. (2015). Back to basics: Health and wellness benefits of gardening in older adults. Activities, Adaptation & Aging, 39(4), 291330. https://doi.org/10.1080/01924788.2015.1089709

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Samra, P.K., Rebar, A.L., Parkinson, L., van Uffelen, J.G.Z., Schoeppe, S., Power, D., Schneiders, A., Vandelanotte, C., … Alley, S. (2019). Physical activity attitudes, preferences, and experiences of regionally-based Australia adults aged 65 years and older. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 27(4), 446451. https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2017-0426

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Scott, T.L., Masser, B.M., & Pachana, N.A. (2020). Positive aging benefits of home and community gardening activities: Older adults report enhanced self-esteem, productive endeavours, social engagement and exercise. SAGE Open Medicine, 8, Article 205031212090173. https://doi.org/10.1177/2050312120901732

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Soga, M., Gaston, K.J., & Yamaura, Y. (2017). Gardening is beneficial for health: A meta-analysis. Preventive Medicine Reports, 5, 9299. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2016.11.007

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Sommerfeld, A.J., Waliczek, T.M., & Zajicek, J.M. (2010). Growing minds: Evaluating the effect of gardening on quality of life and physical activity level of older adults. HortTechnology, 20(4), 705710. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH.20.4.705

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Spano, G., D’Este, M., Giannico, V., Carrus, G., Elia, M., Lafortezza, R., Panno, A., … Sanesi, G. (2020). Are community gardening and horticultural interventions beneficial for psychosocial well-being? A meta-analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(10), 3584. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17103584

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Thompson, R. (2018). Gardening for health: A regular dose of gardening. Clinical Medicine, 18(3), 201205. https://doi.org/10.7861/clinmedicine.18-3-201

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Tsai, M., Cushing, D.F., & Brough, M. (2020). “I’ve always lived in a place with gardens”: Residents’ homemaking experiences in Australian aged-care gardens. Health & Place, 61, Article 102259. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2019.102259

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Utter, J., Denny, S., & Dyson, B. (2016). School gardens and adolescent nutrition and BMI: Results from a national, multilevel study. Preventive Medicine, 83, 14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2015.11.022

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • van Heezik, Y., Freeman, C., Buttery, Y., & Waters, D.L. (2020). Factors affecting the extent and quality of nature engagement of older adults living in a range of home types. Environment and Behavior, 52(8), 799829. https://doi.org/10.1177/0013916518821148

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • van Uffelen, J.G.Z., Khan, A., & Burton, N.W. (2017). Gender differences in physical activity motivators and context preferences: A population-based study in people in their sixties. BMC Public Health, 17(1), 624. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-017-4540-0

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Wijndaele, K., Healy, G.N., Dunstan, D.W., Barnett, A.G., Salmon, J., Shaw, J.E., Zimmet, P.Z., … Owen, N. (2010). Increased cardio-metabolic risk is associated with increased TV viewing time. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 42(8), 15111518. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181d322ac

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Zick, C.D., Smith, K.R., Kowaleski-Jones, L., Uno, C., & Merrill, B.J. (2013). Harvesting more than vegetables: The potential weight control benefits of community gardening. American Journal of Public Health, 103, 11101115. https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2012.301009

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 3085 3085 118
Full Text Views 39 39 0
PDF Downloads 59 59 1