Eye-movement characters and physiological responses of latter-stage elderly to Japanese garden

Abstract

Previous studies showed when adult people viewing a garden, their physiological responses can be influenced by garden’s style. But whether same reaction will happen on elderly are remaining unmeasured. Present study focused on the physiological responses and eye movement characters when patients are viewing Japanese garden and a one-point perspective style yard. The results showed that, when the participants viewing Japanese garden, their eye movement were more active and heart rate was increased compared to the yard. Contrary, their parasympathetic nerve system activity was suppressed. Thus, we conclude the Japanese garden attracted participants’ attention and contributed to activation of dementia patients’ eye movement and autonomic nervous system.