**4.3. Comparison of pre- and post-design, factoring workers to elder interaction**

The attention on all the elderly residents was unequal even though there were 13 elders and 9 volunteers in the control group of class two (**Figure 14**). On the contrary, there is only one instructor for every five elders, the elders of test group have more even guidance and care from one instructor (**Figure 15**). The test group had a much better experience than the control group in increased mental stimulation and physical exercise. This reveals how the instructor-centric class mode of "Elder Green" works. "Elder Green" helps the elders with fewer instructors and volunteers, conducting a quality fulfilling class more than creating a balance of instruction to each student.

In the test group, the elderly achieved higher amounts of exercise in a more balanced manner. The percentage of time involved in bare hand operations was higher than that spent on tool use. During the classes, the horticultural therapist encouraged the elderly to touch the soil often with their hands, and even smell the soil to increase tactile and olfactory sensory stimulation. Because

**Figure 14.** Relationship of class two (control group) between workers and elders.

**Figure 15.** Relationship of the test group between workers and elders.

the dimensions of Elder Green were more suitable for the elderly, and because it featured individual operating platforms, the elderly could engage in planting more easily, which enhanced their willingness to use bare hands. In addition to encouraging the elderly to use both hands evenly, Elder Green enabled the horticultural therapist to provide equal attention to each older adult because of its radial arrangement when in teaching mode. Moreover, the arrangement elevated the elderly's perceived respect from others during the activities. The results indicated that idle time for the elderly in the test group decreased and mutual assistance increased. Again, this showed that higher enthusiasm in the elderly promotes the effects of horticultural therapy. Overall, this teaching style can enable institutions to provide quality gardening courses with less manpower.
