Can people living in nature be healthier? Research carried out in 2016 has shown that the mortality rate of women living in areas with a higher proportion of greenery is indeed lower. About a hundred thousand women were researched by Harvard School of Public Health in a nationwide study. Those who lived in areas with the highest levels of greenery - that is, they had greenery in their vicinity within a range of 250 meters, showed a 12% lower mortality rate compared to women who lived in environments poor in greenery. Specifically, cancer mortality was thirteen percent lower, respiratory disease mortality was thirty-five percent lower, and kidney disease deaths were thirty-one percent lower.

Why nature prolongs life
Research has taken into account women's lifestyle, as well as some demographic factors such as age, origin, race, specific place of residence, income and the existence or absence of harmful habits. Basic information was then collected on the basis of all the information. The manifestations of the protective influence of greenery were specified. A combination of some other factors that came into play was found. These included lower levels of depression, higher social engagement, higher physical activity and lower levels of environmental pollution.

It is the level of air pollution, as well as noise and light smog, in areas with higher levels of greenery lower. Plants reduce the levels of nitrogen dioxide and airborne particles. Women breathe cleaner air here, which strengthens lung health and also experiences less stress. There are probably more reasons why staying in a green-rich environment can alleviate depression. For example, people living in more green areas go out more often. This means that they are more exposed to sunlight, which helps to produce vitamin D in the human body. It is a known fact that low levels of vitamin D are associated with depression.

Research has shown that in areas with more green, women spent more time with friends and were more socially active. These are also important factors reducing loneliness and depression. It is known that staying outdoors in the wild enhances a sense of inner well-being. Some studies even suggest that even mere images of nature can lead to a good mood.

Exercise is also a medicine and the more physically active a person is, the better he will feel and be healthier. The green natural environment stimulates people to enjoy more outdoor activities - for walking, cycling or other physical activities. The study showed that women living in greener areas are more physically active.

Take advantage of greenery
If you live in an area with abundant greenery , this is good news for you. Take advantage of this happy circumstance to improve your health. Go outside, breathe clean air, find friends to hike around.

We spend a lot of time in traffic and computer monitor, which limits our physical and social activity. Socialization, as confirmed by another study on this topic, prevents the emergence of anxiety and depressive states.

Researcher Peter James stressed that he was impressed by how much the constructive influence of the closeness of nature on human physical and mental health " We were surprised how strong is the link between living in areas with abundant greenery and reducing mortality. And that was not all. We were amazed at how positively the proximity of nature is reflected in mental health. ”

Medical Science Doctor Elizabeth Pegg Frates addresses those who do not live in places with abundant green vegetation: “If you are not lucky, consider planting some trees, shrubs or plants near your home. If you live in a highly urbanized area, try to engage in local politics, find equally thoughtful people and try to achieve a higher degree of "greening" of the place you live. Seek more green surroundings, make use of city parks and choose your holiday in areas with abundant vegetation. ”

Translation by Google

prepared by Alushka.org in 2020

source: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/time-spent-green-places-linked-longer-life-women-2017030911152

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