Mixed
Increased exposure to greenspace is associated with statistically significant reductions in physiological stress markers (salivary cortisol, heart rate, blood pressure) and all-cause mortality.
Prioritize spending time in green spaces (parks, forests, tree-lined streets) as a health intervention. This is not just about leisure; it is associated with measurable reductions in stress hormones, blood pressure, and long-term mortality risk. If you live in a deprived area, advocate for or seek out accessible green spaces, as the health benefits may be even stronger for those groups.
Meta-analysis results showed increased greenspace exposure was associated with decreased salivary cortisol −0.05 (95% CI −0.07, −0.04), heart rate −2.57 (95% CI −4.30, −0.83), diastolic blood pressure −1.97 (95% CI −3.45, −0.19)... and decreased risk of... all-cause mortality 0.69 (95% CI 0.55, 0.87)
Why this rating
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 143 studies (103 observational, 40 interventional) with large sample sizes, though heterogeneity is noted.
Source
The health benefits of the great outdoors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of greenspace exposure and health outcomes
Caoimhe Twohig-Bennett et al. · Environmental Research · 2018
DOI 10.1016/j.envres.2018.06.030
More from this paper
- Increased greenspace exposure is associated with a reduced incidence of specific chronic diseases, including Type II diabetes, cardiovascular mortality, and stroke.Good
- Greenspace exposure is associated with improved pregnancy outcomes, specifically a reduced risk of preterm birth and small size for gestational age.Good
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