A "study, led by academics from King’s College London, ... found that everyday encounters with birds boosted the mood of people with depression, as well as the wider population." From an article in The Guardian today.
Long standing BirdsinBackyarders may remember that I reported on my efforts to encourage elderly care homes to plant native, particularly indigenous, species in their guardians in an effort to attract native bird life. The results of the above study suggest it wasn't a good idea for the elderly care home industry to reject the idea. I may have another crack at it.
Good luck with that Woko. Now you have a study to cite, you may be more successful. If it helps, then I can also suggest to mental stimulation as my bird photos were a way to connect with my father as he went further into dementia from Alzheimers. He would engage with me even as he became unsure of who I was. Music was the other success so bird song would be another stimulus.
Thanks, sue. And thanks for the additional ideas.
Today I emailed the Aged Care Industry Association. I'll let you know the result.
Yes good luck Woko! There is so much work in this space now - its a really really interesting area of research. We are looking to do more as well.
No response from the Aged Care Industry Association.
Keep at it, Woko, they probably don't want to spend money but as plants age native species would be great replacements fro so many reasons.