How Living Near Green Spaces Improves Health

Via Children and Nature Network.  Photo Credit: Federico Stevanin

A 2008 study from the UK found that people who lived near parks and greenery had better mental and physical health outcomes than those in areas with little or no access to green spaces.  Those with access to green spaces had lower rates of heart disease.  Living near green spaces increases the likelihood that one will exercise and take time to unwind.  Those on low incomes tend to be in poorer health than those of higher incomes.  However, the study shows that green spaces buffer health differences between income groups.  People of lower income who lived near green spaces reported health outcomes similar to those of people with higher incomes.  Previous studies suggest that just 5 minutes of exercise in green spaces helps to improve mental health and mood.  Even more motivation to go walking in all the trails Port Coquitlam has to offer!