Exploring the Benefits of Ikebana for Seniors

Melbourne Ikebana Festival Research Team (Karen Thode, Shoan Lo, Shoka Healey & Dr Shoso Shimbo ) looked into Ikebana's mindfulness potential. 

 Reserch findings will be presented at our ikebana conference. 

There are some displays related to the research. This research was funded by Melbourne Ikebana Festival.

Exploring the Benefits of Ikebana for Seniors: A Study on Its Mindfulness Potential

The benefits of mindfulness and meditative practices are widely recognized, yet research on the mindfulness effects of specific practices like ikebana—the Japanese art of flower arranging—remains limited, particularly outside Japan. To address this gap, we conducted a pilot mixed-methods study to investigate the mindfulness experience of seniors during an introductory ikebana workshop.

This study involved 25 participants aged 60 to 90+, who attended a 90-minute introductory ikebana workshop. We used the Toronto Mindfulness Scale (TMS) to measure participants' trait mindfulness before the workshop and their state mindfulness afterward. 

We analyzed the data to identify changes in mindfulness elements such as curiosity and decentering.Preliminary results suggest that the workshop positively impacted participants' mindfulness, though the statistical significance of the changes is still under review. 

Following the workshop, we conducted semi-structured interviews to gain deeper insights into participants' experiences. While final results are still pending, early thematic analysis reveals that the workshop fostered relaxation, focus, enjoyment, satisfaction, new learning, and a sense of challenge. Participants' motivation was influenced by their interest in active aging and connections with others. There was significant interest in continuing ikebana practice and attending the Wa Melbourne Ikebana Festival in Abbotsford on September 7-8, 2024. Three participants committed to ongoing lessons, and most expressed intention to attend the festival.

This study provides preliminary evidence supporting the role of ikebana as a mindfulness practice for senior beginners. Further research is needed to better understand how ikebana can be used to enhance mindfulness among seniors and to explore the broader implications for teaching and engaging senior students in mindfulness practices.