Green space living means better healthPeople living close to green space have lower rates of anxiety and depression than those living in ‘concrete jungles’, new research has revealed.
Those living close to green areas also have better general physical health, it was found.
The findings are based on the health records of almost 350,000 people living in the Netherlands.
Green space within a kilometre radius of a person’s home had the most positive impact on health.
The rates of cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, mental ill health, respiratory disease, neurological disease, digestive disease and miscellaneous complaints were significantly lower among those living close to more extensive areas of green space.
The impact was especially noticeable on rates of mental ill health.
The annual prevalence of anxiety disorders among those living in a residential area containing 10% of green space within a 1km radius of their home was 26 per 1000. For those living in an area containing 90% of green space it was 18 per 1000. Similarly, the figures for depression were, respectively, 32 and 24 per 1000 of the population.
The association was strongest for those who spent a lot of time in the vicinity - children and those with low levels of education and income - as well as those between the ages of 45 and 65.
Exactly how the provision of green space affects health is not clear, but it may indicate better air quality as well as offering opportunities for relaxation, de-stressing, socialising and exercise, the authors suggested.
“This study shows that the role of green space in the living environment for health should not be underestimated,” they concluded, adding that many of the diseases/disorders on which green space seems to exert a positive influence and common and costly to treat.
The research was published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. [Posted: Sat 17/10/2009]
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