Go For A Walk Outside-Nature Increases Length of Life!

We’ve all been reading the articles about global warming and the impact on the planet, and on us.  Although Earth Day is a couple of weeks past us, there’s even more reason to think about the future of the planet. The Washington Post ran the article Why living around nature could make you live longer.   The article highlights a recent study that indicates that not only is living near nature good for your health, it may help you live longer!  The study was published on April 14, 2016 in the journal, Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP), Exposure to Greenness and Mortality in a Nationwide Prospective Cohort Study of Women. Here are some excerpts from abstract from the EHP article:  “Objectives: We aimed to examine the prospective association between residential greenness and mortality… Conclusions: Higher levels of green vegetation were associated with decreased mortality. Policies to increase vegetation may provide opportunities for physical activity, reduce harmful exposures, increase social engagement, and improve mental health. While planting vegetation may mitigate effects of climate change, evidence of an association between vegetation and lower mortality rates suggests it also might be used to improve health.”

Now, back to the Washington Post story, which tells us “[t]his is all in line with the ways previous research has suggested greenness can affect health. Places with more vegetation are generally thought to be less polluted, and the presence of vegetation, itself, can help keep air cleaner. And green spaces like parks can help encourage people to get outside, exercise and engage with other people — all factors that can improve overall health. The effects on mental health may be somewhat less straightforward, but nonetheless important, as this study suggested.”  As far as mental health, the article notes that social engagement and human’s long term connection with nature is rejuvenating.

The article quotes one of the authors that more study is needed on the “finer details” of our interacting with nature. But for now, go outside and take a walk (and maybe buy some houseplants, too).