Study reveals true meaning of flowers.

When people send flowers, they're sending more than something pretty for the coffee table. A groundbreaking new study conducted by SAF in partnership with world-renowned researcher Jeannette Haviland-Jones, Ph.D. of Rutgers University, provides scientific proof that flowers have a profound effect on a person's emotions and sense of well-being.

Here are some specific findings.

• Flowers have an immediate impact on happiness.
  An excited smile at receiving flowers was a universal reaction, occurring in all age groups.
  
  
• Flowers have a long-term positive effect on moods.
  The study showed that people are less depressed, anxious and agitated after receiving flowers.
  
  
• Flowers make intimate connections.
  The presence of flowers led to increased contact with family and friends.
  
  
• Flowers are a symbol of sharing.
  People receiving flowers place them in areas that are open so that they are clearly visible for family members and visitors to see and appreciate.

The flowering of senior citizens.

Do flowers have an effect on senior citizens and the everyday challenges they face? This question was explored in a six month behavioral study done by SAF in partnership with Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. Here are the surprising results:

• Flowers decrease depression.
  Study participants showed a significant increase in happiness and positive moods when flowers were present.
  
  
• Flowers refresh recent memory.
  Seniors performed higher on everyday memory tasks and experienced enriched personal memories.
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  Flowers encourage companionship.
  Seniors who received flowers re-engaged with members of their communities and reached out to more neighbors, as well as to religious and medical personnel.

Communicating in the language of flowers.

Another SAF study found that nearly 60% of Americans have given flowers or houseplants as gifts at least once a year and believe this to be the best way to express their love. Other key findings.

• Americans give flowers more than any other gift to say I'm sorry.
  
  
• 23% of women say flowers are the gift most likely to make them smile.
  
  
• 26% of women say flowers are the gift they would most like to receive from an admirer.
  
  
• 30% of Americans would rather receive flowers for no special occasion than for any one holiday or occasion.
  
  
• 37% continue to give flowers more than any other gift for no special occasion.

You can order flowers with your 20% Union Plus discount here.

Reprinted with permission from the Society of American Florists

8/03