Me, myself, and nature: living with dementia and connecting with the natural world – more than a breath of fresh air? A literature review

Bennett, Jenny; Wolverson, Emma; Price, Liz

Abstract

Objective: Depsite the growing awareness of the importance of engagement with the natural world for people living with dementia, little is known about the impact specifically for people living independently in their own home. This review identifies, analyses and synthesises existing research, incorporating first-person narrative accounts of the benefits and potential challenges experienced in
forging meaningful connections with the natural world.

Methods: Six databases were searched from February 2000 to February 2021. Relevant organisations and authors were contacted, and a hand search of included study reference lists was conducted. The findings of included studies were synthesised using a thematic analysis approach.

Findings: Sixteen studies were included: 13 qualitative and three mixed methods. Eight themes and three sub-themes were identified, revealing how contact with the natural world held a significance
for people living with dementia, associated with a sense of pleasure, comfort, stimulation, freedom and meaning. Support and the use of adaptive strategies afforded opportunities for continued engagement with meaningful outdoor activities and the promotion of identity, independence, social interaction, enhanced wellbeing and quality of life for people living independently with dementia.

Conclusion: Meaningful connections with the natural world offer far more than a ‘breath of fresh
air’. When support mechanisms are in place, engaging with the natural world can be a valuable arena
for enablement and continuity, providing a sense of connectedness to self, place and others.

Citation

Bennett, J., Wolverson, E., & Price, L. (2022). Me, myself, and nature: living with dementia and connecting with the natural world – more than a breath of fresh air? A literature review. Dementia, https://doi.org/10.1177/14713012221117896

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 17, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Aug 8, 2022
• Publication Date: Aug 8, 2022
• Deposit Date: Aug 10, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 11, 2022
• Journal: Dementia
• Print ISSN: 1471-3012
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/14713012221117896
• Keywords: Dementia; Natural world; Nature; Meaningful connections; Wellbeing; Self
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4051195