DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-025-2-0099

ETHNOBOTANY AS A TOOL FOR THE SUPPORT OF THE EDUCATION AND THE RECREATION OF THE ELDERLY

Jan Winkler¹, Petra Martínez Barroso², Helena Pluháčková³, Amir Mugutdinov¹, Kateřina Pevná⁴, Lenka Kamanová⁵, Magdalena Daria Vaverková²

¹ Department of Plant Biology, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, 613 00 Brno, Czechia

² Department of Applied and Landscape Ecology, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, 613 00 Brno, Czechia

³ Department of Crop Science, Breeding and Plant Medicine, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, 613 00 Brno, Czechia

⁴ Department of Senior Education, Institut of Lifelong Learning, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 5, 613 00 Brno, Czechia

⁵ Department of Social Science, Institut of Lifelong Learning, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 5, 613 00 Brno, Czechia

Ethnobotany offers an opportunity to use local vegetation to promote active movement for the elderly in recreation and education. A walk through selected habitat, combined with plant identification, helps to train concentration and stimulate a human mind. Identifying plant species involves the senses of sight, touch and smell. The use of multiple senses increases sensitivity and interest in the environment while encouraging the natural need to move and discover new information. Correct identification of plant species provides valuable information that is relevant and interesting according to individual preferences of the elderly. Aesthetically attractive and medicinal plants are particularly popular with elderly. Physical exercise, knowledge of plant characters, and the use of the senses motivate memory and recall. The combination of exercise and education is an interesting and valuable recreational option for the elderly.

Keywords: vegetation, cultural functions, South Moravia, medicinal plants, active aging

pages: 99-102, Published: 2025, online: 2025