The Fountain of Youth is a legend about a magical spring that promises to turn back time and restore the youthful vigor of anyone who drinks it. It’s an irresistible concept that’s been used to anchor countless marketing campaigns to sell anything from skincare to beauty treatments and even food, albeit nothing backed by actual science — except flowers. A cut above the rest, a behavioral study by Rutgers revealed that fresh floral arrangements have a surprisingly similar effect on seniors.
Effects of Flowers on Seniors
Following its enlightening 2000 study on the impact of fresh flowers on women’s happiness, Rutgers University conducted a consequent research the following year, which delved deeper into its positive benefits on the elderly who are struggling to cope emotionally and mentally with the different challenges of advanced aging.
The 2001 study involved 100 seniors, (94 women, 10 men), ranging in ethnicity, from ages 55-93. They were all unaware of the purpose of the study. Half of them received flower deliveries regularly for six months and the other half did not. While flowers and senior citizens might be an unexpected combination, the results have been overwhelmingly positive and go into detail on the gift of flowers are a blessing for elderly citizens’ emotional, social, and physical health.
Among the many incredible benefits of receiving flowers, here are the most significant:
Flowers Stimulate Memory
Researchers noted that aging participants performed better on everyday memory tasks with flowers in the room. The research found that seniors who received flowers performed better on everyday memory tasks and were more likely to recall personal memories compared to those who did not. The study suggests that the visual appeal, scent, and emotional associations associated with flowers can stimulate cognitive processes and improve memory recall, potentially benefiting individuals experiencing age-related memory decline.
Flowers and Making New Friends
Senior citizens are part of the most vulnerable demographic to loneliness and need interpersonal connections and support even more in their twilight years. Sending flowers to your grandparents or elderly loved ones can give them that much-needed morale boost and set them in the perfect mood to finally reconnect with old friends or initiate making new ones. Other floral activities like communal gardening and flower arranging workshops are also great avenues for social interaction for the seniors.
Flowers Reduces Stress, Anxiety, & Depression
Many elders are less likely to communicate about their mental health due to social stigma and not receiving the care they need. In this study, 81 percent of seniors reported feeling less depressed after receiving hand bouquets. These remarkable effects are not surprising considering the amazing sense of connection we feel with flowers. Their vivid colors, delightful scents, and unique flower meanings can create a sense of joy and comfort, helping to alleviate feelings of isolation and despair.
Make Loved Ones Happier with Our Same-Day Flower Delivery
Life is beautiful but fleeting. Cherish your senior loved ones as much as you can. Take your grandparents on a flower shopping date to our chic flower shops in Sherman Oaks and Santa Monica. Or surprise them with a spontaneous flower delivery! Due to our convenient locations, Orchid Republic offers hassle-free same-day delivery anywhere in Los Angeles and Orange County. You can easily surprise your loved ones with a thoughtful gesture that will surely make them smile.
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