Living near nature may have a significant impact on the mental and physical health of older adults, according to a recent study conducted by Washington State University (WSU). The study revealed that even small differences in the availability of urban green and blue spaces could be associated with improved mental and physical well-being in older individuals.
The findings, published in the journal Health & Place, indicated that a mere 10% increase in forest space within a person’s residential ZIP code was linked to a reduction in serious psychological distress, which encompasses mental health issues requiring treatment and affecting social lives, work, or school. Similarly, a 10% increase in green space, tree cover, water bodies, or trail length was associated with a decreased likelihood of older adults reporting their general health as poor or fair.
Adithya Vegaraju, a medical student in the WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine and the first author of the study, emphasized the potential public health impact of the loss of urban green and blue spaces due to rapid urbanization. The study was based on health survey data from over 42,000 individuals aged 65 and older residing in urban areas of Washington state between 2011 and 2019.
The researchers analyzed survey respondents’ general and mental health outcomes in relation to various measures quantifying access to green and blue spaces, such as forests, parks, lakes, and rivers within their residential ZIP codes. The study revealed that close to 2% of respondents exhibited signs of serious psychological distress, while 19% reported fair or poor general health.
While previous studies have explored the impact of proximity to nature on health, Vegaraju highlighted that this study is among the first to investigate this relationship specifically in older adults in the United States. The vulnerability of older individuals to mental health issues, such as depression, which can elevate the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, underscores the significance of understanding the potential benefits of living near natural environments.
The study’s preliminary findings were presented at the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting in April 2023, focusing on the association between serious psychological distress and proximity to green and blue spaces. The final published version of the study expanded the analysis to include additional measures, such as the percentage of green space, tree canopy, forest area, and open space within ZIP codes, as well as the length of trails. Furthermore, the researchers accounted for demographic differences among survey respondents, including race and education level.
As urbanization continues to reshape landscapes, the study’s implications underscore the importance of preserving and promoting access to natural environments, particularly for older adults. The potential impact on public health warrants further consideration and may inform urban planning and development strategies aimed at enhancing the well-being of aging populations.
