Presentation:

The study was a very in-depth research project, particularly for a journal article. For the
most part, it was well written and well organized since it was very detailed in data and
information in providing how the study measures the effectiveness of horticulture therapy
among elderlies also the purpose of the study was clearly stated. Other parts of the
research like literature review, research hypotheses, operational definitions, theoretical
framework, methods, result, conclusion and limitations are explained thoroughly and
discussed comprehensively that makes the article written in clearly manner which make it
more sufficiently detailed for critical analysis. Overall, it was a very interesting,
significant contribution to the field of research especially in nursing practice because it
was effective among elderlies.

Research credibility:

The quantitative data that was gathered were supported by an interview which served as
the qualitative aspect of the study. According to the gathered responses from the elderlies,
the researchers came up with several themes and subthemes. The effect of the horticulture
therapy for elderlies is genuine happiness and under this theme four subthemes emerged
namely, gaiety, positive outlook, new learning and gratification. They described their
experience in the therapy as worth-remembering one, and under this theme were seven
subthemes namely, blissful, salubrious, engaging, informative, nostalgia, sense of
responsibility and challenging. The gathered quantitative and qualitative data of this
study confirmed that their intervention namely horticulture therapy is indeed effective in
enhancing the meaning in life of institutionalized elderlies.

Summary Assessment:

The study findings appeared to be valid since the researchers used the validated Filipino
version of MLQ to facilitate understanding of the elderly. The instrument was validated
by an expert in psychology and psychiatric nurses to assess if the instrument is
appropriate for the researchers to use in the study. The reliability of the item was

determined using Cronbachs alpha with a value of 0.76 wherein the normal value is 0.70
according to Tavakol & Dennick, 2011.
In nursing practice, we all know that moving into an assisted living facility is a lifechanging experience. Enhancing the meaning in life of the patients residing in a nursing
home might be useful to reduce symptoms severity and to nurture the quality of life in
cognitively intact nursing homes patients. This study can be used by the future nurses and
who are already nurses to elderlies that would give them gratification, forms recreational
activity, yields benefits, is worthwhile and is vital for the productive activities in the wellbeing and meaning in their life. Connecting with others, family and friends and
stimulating reflections and connection to patients inner thoughts and emotions are some
of the various ways that nurses might promote the self-transcendence to the patients
residing in nursing homes. Through this study, nurses will have the opportunity to use an
innovative intervention which is the horticulture therapy.