Psychophysiological Health Benefits of Forest Therapy among Middle-aged and Elderly Individuals

• Main Authors: Chia-Min Lin, 林家民
• Other Authors: Chia-Pin Yu
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2017
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/et8fs9

碩士 === 國立臺灣大學 === 森林環境暨資源學研究所 === 105 === Taiwan has experienced significant economic growth and a rapid increase in senior population. Currently, 13.3% of people are aged 65 years or older. Forests have been considered to be a positive contribution to human health worldwide. Unfortunately, relevant research in Taiwan is limited. The present study investigated changes in psychophysiological health benefits after a short forest bathing program in the Xitou Nature Education Area, Taiwan. One hundred and twenty-eight middle-aged and elderly participants (60.0 years on average) were recruited. Physiological responses (heart rate, blood pressure, salivary alpha-amylase, and heart rate variability) and psychological indices (Profile of Mood States and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) were used to measure before and after the program. The result showed that heart rate, blood pressure, and salivary amylase activity were significantly lower after the program, which indicated physiological benefits from stress recovery. However, changes in heart rate variability were nonsignificant. The negative moods of tension, anger, fatigue, depression, confusion, and anxiety were significantly lower, whereas the positive mood of vigor was higher. The Study also found that subgroups benefitted differently with the forest therapy. Subject’s nature experience significantly correlates with forest therapy. In general, this study determined that the short forest bathing program is a promising therapeutic method for enhancing physiological functions as well as an effective psychological relaxation strategy for middle-aged and elderly individuals.