Researchers from Australia have found that ‘nature prescriptions’, or recommendations from doctors to spend time in nature, can improve both physical and mental health.
The systematic review and meta-analysis were led by Professors Xiaoqi Feng and Thomas Astell-Burt, Co-Directors of the Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), and were published in The Lancet Planetary Health.
Powerful Effects of Nature on Health
The analysis evaluated 28 studies which had tested nature prescriptions in real-world patients.
The results were encouraging: patients demonstrated reduced blood pressure, lower depression and anxiety scores, and a higher daily step count.
“Nature prescriptions can help to restore and build capacities for better physical and mental health,” said Prof. Feng.
Spending time in nature can not only mitigate harm from poor air quality and heat waves but also help to counteract chronic stress.
It encourages healthy behaviors such as socializing and physical activity, which can be effective preventative measures against loneliness, depression, and cardiovascular disease.
Bringing Green Spaces Closer
Previous research from Prof. Feng has shown that living close to certain types of green space can enhance health.
In a study of nearly 47,000 adults in New South Wales (NSW), those residing in areas with 30% or more tree canopy reported improved general health and decreased psychological distress.
This research influenced the City of Sydney’s strategy to reach 40% green cover by 2050.
However, just having access to a green space doesn’t necessarily mean people will use it.
That’s why Prof. Feng suggests encouraging and enabling people to reconnect with nature, a goal that can be achieved through nature prescriptions.
Increasing Recognition of Nature Prescriptions
Nature prescriptions are gaining traction as a supplementary approach to standard medical care.
The U.K. Government recently invested £5.77 million in a ‘green social prescribing’ pilot program, while Canada has a nationwide nature prescription program.
In Australia, public interest in nature prescriptions is growing, with a recent survey revealing that over 80% of adults are open to the idea.
Yet, Australia currently has no large-scale nature prescription programs. More research is required to understand how such programs could be implemented.
A Universal Solution
Prof. Feng emphasized the importance of making nature prescriptions accessible to all Australians. Previous studies by Prof. Astell-Burt and Prof. Feng have indicated that low-income communities are least likely to have access to green space.
These communities are also more at risk of chronic health issues like type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.
“We don’t want nature prescriptions to be a luxury item for the rich who already have access to beaches and a lot of high-quality green space,” Prof. Feng said. “We want these benefits for everyone.”
If you care about wellness, please read studies about exercise that is vital to improving longevity in older people, and this dieting method could help increase longevity.
For more information about wellness, please see recent studies about vaccine that can block COVID-19 and variants, plus other coronaviruses, and results showing this type of exercise may slow down bone aging.
The study was published in The Lancet Planetary Health.
Copyright © 2023 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
