Nature and green spaces linked to improved human health

Recent scientific research suggests a strong link between natural environments and improved human health outcomes. Studies indicate that exposure to “greenness” and natural scenery can provide “spatial emotional stimulus,” leading to various physiological benefits.

Specific findings include:

• Surgical recovery: Patients with views of nature required less pain medication than those facing brick walls. • Mortality rates: Research in England linked green space exposure to reduced mortality, particularly from cardiovascular illnesses. In Tokyo, senior citizens showed a positive association between survival rates and access to walkable green spaces. • Disease prevention: In Holland, residents in greener areas were less likely to be diagnosed with 15 out of 24 examined health issues. • Stress reduction: Walking in forests has been shown to reduce heart rates and lower cortisol levels.

The impact of forest health on human well-being was also examined following the emerald ash borer infestation in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. Researchers studied how the loss of ash trees and the resulting negative impact on natural scenery affected mortality rates related to cardiovascular and lower-respiratory-tract illnesses.