Parks and gardens boost mental health
According to a study published in the journal of Environmental Science and Technology, green spaces, like parks and gardens, in towns and cities cuold lead to significant and sustained improvments in mental health.
The researchers found that, on an average, movers to greener areas experienced an immediate improvement in mental health that was sustained for at least 3 years after they moved.
The research team at the University of Exeter Medical School used data from over 1000 participants who were followed over a five-year period. The team focused on two groups of people: those who moved to greener urban areas, and those who relocated to less green urban areas.
The study also showed that people relocating to houses having more built up area (less green and open) suffered a drop in mental health. Interestingly, this fall occurred before they moved; and it returned to normal once the move was complete.
“We’ve shown that individuals who move to greener areas have significant and long-lasting improvements in mental health,” said lead researcher, Dr Ian Alcock.
“These findings are important for urban planners thinking about introducing new green spaces to our towns and cities, suggesting they could provide long term and sustained benefits for local communities,” Alcock said.
“We needed to answer important questions about how the effects of green space vary over time,” said co-author of the study, Dr Mathew White.
“Do people experience a novelty effect, enjoying the new green area after the move, but with the novelty then wearing off? Or do they take time to realize the benefits of their new surroundings as they gradually get to know local parks?”
“What we’ve found suggests that the mental health benefits of green space are not only immediate, but sustainable over long periods of time,” White said.
The city planners and architects in India should note this and implement it as a part of thier social initiative to keep the population they serve mentally healthy.
Written by Dr. Ajay Sati.
