Perceived Benefits and Barriers of Gardening Among Urban Older Adults: A Chinese Perspective

Abstract

Existing research exploring perspectives on gardening has primarily focused on Western populations. The present study, employing qualitative semi-structured interviews with 21 urban-dwelling Chinese older adults, investigated their perceived benefits and barriers to gardening. Reflexive thematic analysis of interview transcripts revealed that urban Chinese older adults perceive gardening as beneficial to their living environment, physical, psychological and social wellbeing, and as a source of home-grown products. Perceived barriers include the lack of suitable gardening sites, insufficient time and support, difficulties in obtaining materials, the inseparability of gardening and living areas and low self-efficacy in gardening. Cultural and socially specific influences are reflected in gardening practices, such as plant symbolism, household structures, and residential conditions, highlighting the importance of locally tailored strategies for future gardening programmes.