Senior Australians and Benefits in Botanic Gardens:
Growing plants, growing people
This study by researchers at the Centre for Tourism and Leisure Management (UniSA) involved an
exploration into seniors’ engagement with botanic gardens in a volunteer...
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Senior Australians and Benefits in Botanic Gardens:
Growing plants, growing people
This study by researchers at the Centre for Tourism and Leisure Management (UniSA) involved an
exploration into seniors’ engagement with botanic gardens in a volunteer capacity (with seniors defined as
individuals aged 50 years and over).
In total, 389 volunteers participated in the study.
The majority (61%) volunteered an average of at least 1 ½
hours per week over the past 12 months.
Many identified their main roles as garden guides (42%) or handson gardening (25%), with the three main motivations for volunteering being a love of gardens, the desire to
contribute to society, and social networking purposes.
Gardens in seven states or territories in Australia were represented, with almost half (48%) of the
volunteers surveyed aged 60-69 years, and 76% female.
Overall, volunteers were highly satisfied with
their volunteering, and were very likely to recommend volunteering to others.
Of note, it was
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