Australian Study Links Tree Canopy to Lower Depression in Seniors

A long‑term study of more than 1,000 Australians aged 70 to 90, conducted by the University of New South Wales Sydney’s Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing in partnership with Australian Catholic University, found that residents of neighbourhoods with higher tree canopy reported fewer depressive symptoms over up to 12 years. The research, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, identified tree cover as the strongest environmental factor associated with reduced depression, whereas parkland, waterways, service access and air‑pollution showed little consistent effect. Lead author Associate Professor Simone Reppermund said greener streets may encourage outdoor activity, physical exercise and social interaction, all of which support mental health in older age. The study also clarified an early signal suggesting more trees could increase depression, attributing that to participants who moved into aged‑care facilities because of declining health. Co‑lead author Dr Annabel Matison and Professor Ester Cerin highlighted that expanding urban tree cover is a practical way to foster healthier, more connected ageing communities.