Effects of the Customized Plant Education in the Rooftop Garden of Public Rental Housing for Enhancing Sustainable Living of the Elderlies

Background and objective: This study explores the effects of customized plant education on the sustainable living capacity of elderly residents in public rental housing. The housing in this study is the planned elderly residence with a community rooftop garden as the main community place, and the education program was developed based on the garden. Methods: Ten residents participated in the education, and the effects were measured through pre-and post-interviews. The site and elder residents’ specific 2 hours education program was developed and conducted once a week for a month. Results: The recognition of plants improved, which led to an increase in interest in plants and garden. Moreover, the education enhanced social exchanges among residents and promoted the willingness to participation in garden activities. Conclusion: These results suggested that the plant education can enhance residents' attachment to the garden, as well as their cognitive, emotional, and social capacities, thereby enabling them to live in the community housing longer.