Green living improves health
19 October 2009
This strengthens what we already know - that there is a positive relationship between living in an area with green spaces and our health. 
Dr Virginia Warren, assistant medical director, Bupa
Living near green space improves your health, particularly your mental health, according to Dutch researchers.
Over a quarter of a million people took part in the year long study. The researchers used information collected at doctor's surgeries to see if there was a link between living in a green area for a year or more and different types of disease, such as respiratory diseases, musculoskeletal conditions and mental health problems.
The researchers found that people who lived within 1km of a green space were less likely to have an illness than those who didn't. This was regardless of where they lived in the country, age, gender, level of education and how wealthy they were.
Depression and anxiety disorders, neck and back complaints, severe elbow, wrist and hand conditions, upper respiratory disorders and medically unexplained symptoms were all less common in people who lived in areas with more green space. Children under 12 and those aged between 46 and 65 were shown to be the most positively influenced by green space.
Assistant medical director for Bupa, Dr Virginia Warren, said: "This strengthens what we already know, that there is a positive relationship between living in an area with green spaces and our health. This may be especially relevant to people with mental health problems.
"What we now need to understand is what it is about green living environments that improve health. Is it that green parks provide space for children to play and adults to exercise? More research will help us to gain further insight," she added.
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Related information
- Anxiety disorders health factsheet
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- Depression in children and young people health factsheet
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Read the study
Maas J, Verheij R A, de Vries S et al. Morbidity is related to a green living environment. J Epidemiol Community Health 2009;0:1-7 doi:10.1136/jech.2008.079038
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