Grow Your Age: How Green Spaces Mean More Birthdays

If you want to live a longer, healthier life, you might want to consider living in greener surroundings. It seems that opting for a life closer to nature can boost your health and longevity. City life may be full of amenities and career opportunities, but it may also have a negative impact on your well-being, especially if you lack access to greenery.

Researchers at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health conducted a study that found that women living in homes surrounded by the most vegetation had a lower mortality rate than women living near less vegetation. The study examined data on 108,630 U.S. women from the Nurses’ Health Study, comparing their risk of mortality with the amount of vegetation around their home. Although the study was conducted on women, it is believed that the benefits are just as good for men.

When it comes to the reasons behind these results, there are a few possibilities that researchers have identified. One of these is improved mental health. Participants living near more greenery had lower levels of depression, which accounted for about 30 percent of the overall health benefit of living in a highly vegetated area. Access to green spaces may offer a much-needed escape from the stress of daily life, helping to improve mental and emotional well-being.

Another possible factor is the reduction of pollution, which is generally higher in cities. Since plants can reduce pollution and air pollution has been linked to various diseases, it stands to reason that lower pollution levels can lead to lower mortality rates. The study found that female participants living in greener areas had lower rates of cancer and respiratory disease, both of which can be caused or exacerbated by pollution.

Finally, greener surroundings can also encourage more physical activity. Easy access to parks and other green spaces make outdoor activities like jogging, cycling, and even walking more appealing and enjoyable. The study’s researchers speculate that living near greenery may also encourage people to socialize more, which has been shown to have a positive impact on health.

If you’re someone who loves city living or can’t realistically make a big move, there are still ways to incorporate greenery into your life. One option is to start a garden, even if it’s just in pots on your balcony or rooftop. Community gardens are also increasingly popular in many urban areas, allowing city residents to grow their own produce while socializing with their neighbors.

Another option is to bring the green inside by filling your home with indoor plants. Certain indoor plants, such as aloe, spider plants, gerbera daisies, peace lilies, English ivy, bamboo palms, and Boston ferns, are particularly helpful because they’re known to purify the air. You can also make an effort to visit your local parks or nature reserves more frequently, allowing yourself the opportunity to reap the benefits of the great outdoors.

In conclusion, it’s clear that living in or near green spaces can have a significant impact on your health and longevity. Whether you decide to make a big move to the countryside or simply incorporate more greenery into your existing city life, it’s essential to prioritize your health and wellbeing.