A new study has revealed something remarkable: even a small increase in greenery and water bodies, like parks and lakes, around where older adults live can make a big difference in their mental and physical health.
This study, conducted by researchers from the Washington State University, found that having just a little more forest area in the neighborhood – say, 10% more than usual – can really help reduce serious mental health issues.
These are the kind of problems that are so bad they need treatment and can stop people from enjoying social activities, doing their jobs, or going to school.
Similarly, if there are more green areas, trees, water bodies like lakes and rivers, or even walking trails around, it seems to lower the chances that older people will feel their overall health is poor or average.
Researcher Adithya Vegaraju points out that this isn’t just about the environment; it’s a public health issue too. As cities grow rapidly and we lose these natural spaces, it could actually harm people’s health.
Let’s dive into the details of the study. The team looked at health survey data from over 42,000 people aged 65 and above in urban areas of Washington state, collected from 2011 to 2019.
They checked how things like forests, parks, lakes, and rivers in their neighborhoods were linked to their health. Around 2% of these people were dealing with serious mental health issues, and 19% said their general health wasn’t great.
Initially, the researchers only looked at how these natural spaces affected serious mental health problems.
But later, they expanded their research to see how different kinds of natural spaces – like the amount of green area, forests, and trails – related to overall health. They also considered things like race and education level of the people in the study.
What makes this study stand out is its focus on older adults in the U.S. This group is particularly at risk for mental health issues like depression, which can lead to more serious problems like dementia. Unfortunately, older people often don’t get the help they need for these conditions.
Vegaraju suggests that spending time in green or blue spaces could be a new way to help older adults with their mental health. This idea is gaining traction; some doctors are even starting to prescribe spending time outdoors as part of treatment.
Solmaz Amiri, another key researcher in this study, wants to explore this further. She’s interested in how being around nature might slow down mental decline, which can be an early sign of serious conditions like Alzheimer’s.
The hope is that this research will shine a light on health differences among older people, especially those from less wealthy backgrounds.
Often, they don’t have the same access to green and blue spaces in cities. Understanding more about how nature affects health could help make things fairer for everyone, regardless of where they live.
If you care about wellness, please read studies about how ultra-processed foods and red meat influence your longevity, and why seafood may boost healthy aging.
For more information about wellness, please see recent studies that olive oil may help you live longer, and vitamin D could help lower the risk of autoimmune diseases.
The research findings can be found in the journal Health & Place.
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