A film created by a U of A research team beautifully depicts how garden spaces can grow meaningful connections among seniors living with language barriers.
Garden Gifts is the eighth in a series of richly illustrated short videos created by design anthropologist Megan Strickfaden, filmmaker Aerlan Barrett and Department of Human Ecology students to help families, friends and professional caregivers better understand how built and natural environments support positive experiences for aging loved ones.
The story, about two seniors striking up a friendship in a garden despite language barriers, is reflected in a mural from U of A graduate Jill Thomson and artwork from residents of Canterbury Lane, an Edmonton seniors’ residence.
“The film really shows how material culture can promote well-being for people as they age,” says Strickfaden, whose team also redesigned a wing of Canterbury Lane to improve engagement for the residents.
The other seven films — Papa’s Chair, Musical Notes, Reader’s Hoard, Farm in the City, House Friendly, Brain Games and The Necklace — are being used by educators, caregivers and families around the world.