Rågsveds Hälsoträdgård : Et restorativt miljø for de ældre

Abstract: A growing number of people are getting very old. Experience says that after the age of 80 humans meet a growing need for assistance with daily care and activities and this may be the beginning of a negative spiral of passivity and social isolation. The purpose of this work is to investigate if it is possible to create a restorative garden on a rooftop in a large city and to investigate if it by mean of a welcoming atmosphere, appropriate design and meaningful activities can contribute to a better quality of life for the elderly users. On the basis of theories of environmental psychology and horticultural therapy, an inquiry and an asking guide for interviews with inhabitants and staff at the assisted dwelling center of Rågsved, Stockholm was developed. The purpose was to investigate to which degree the design of The Restorative Garden of Rågsved could satisfy the needs of the different groups of users regarding restorative environment, home-feeling, social and physical activities and accessibility. The result is that it is possible to create a restorative environment at a low cost. However, to use the full potential of the environment, it is necessary to put the focus on education and motivation of staff and volunteers.