Olfactory-Based Forest Therapy Proven Effective in Alleviating Memory Decline and Depression Among the Elderly

A study has found that olfactory-based forest therapy is effective in alleviating memory decline and depression among the elderly.

Daegu Buk-gu Senior Club elderly job participants are taking part in the olfactory-based forest welfare fragrance healing program (Fragrant Memory Forest Program). Provided by the Korea Forest Welfare Institute National Chilgok Forest Experience Center.

On December 24, the Korea Forest Welfare Institute announced that the National Chilgok Forest Experience Center operated an olfactory-based forest welfare "fragrance healing program" for 30 elderly job participants from the Daegu Bukgu Senior Club between September and November. The results demonstrated that the program effectively reduced participants' subjective memory decline and feelings of depression.

The program was planned and implemented by the Forest Welfare Research and Development Center as a special research project to address cognitive and emotional health issues among the elderly.

To verify the program’s effectiveness, tools such as the Subjective Memory Complaints Questionnaire (SMCQ), the Short Geriatric Depression Scale (sGDS), and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used to assess participants.

For the evaluation, fragrance healing programs developed by the Chilgok Forest Experience Center-including "Grandmother's Treasure," "Fragrant Memory Forest," and "Fragrant Singing Bowl"-were utilized.

As a result, elderly participants showed a 31% improvement in the Subjective Memory Complaints Questionnaire, with scores improving from 1.86 before participation to 1.28 after the program.

Additionally, the Short Geriatric Depression Scale score decreased from 1.69 to 1.00, indicating a reduction in depressive symptoms by about 41%. The Visual Analogue Scale score also dropped from 3.10 before participation to 1.73 after, with the Korea Forest Welfare Institute noting that all assessment indicators used in the study showed significant improvements.

Nam Taeheon, President of the Korea Forest Welfare Institute, stated, "Enhancing the cognitive and emotional health of the elderly is an important social issue," and added, "We will continue to discover and develop relevant programs so that forest welfare can contribute to improving the quality of life for the elderly."