Living near
green spaces
as a child linked
to better mental
health
People who grow up close to parks and
other green areas have a reduced risk
of developing certain mental illnesses,
according to research carried out by
Denmark’s Aarhus University.
The study collected satellite data from
between 1985 and 2013 to establish
how much green space one million
Danes grew up in proximity to, and
then investigated the effect it had on
their mental health.
They found that the risk of developing
one of 16 mental illnesses (ranging from
OCD to schizophrenia) decreased by as
much as 55% for those who lived close
to green areas during their childhood.
Researchers adjusted the study for
risk factors, such as family history and
socio-economic status.
This revelation comes at a time when
the world is leaning more towards city
life. According to the United Nations,
it’s estimated that by 2050, 68% of the
world’s population will be living in
urban areas.
Speaking to Quartz news website,
researcher Kristine Engemann
said: “I think it’s important that we
acknowledge the value that green
spaces have, not because they are
decorative or pretty, but because they
can have real benefits to the people
living in the city.”
So next time you’re looking to move,
don’t just think about parking and
schools, perhaps consider how the
local landscape could benefit your
family’s mental health, too!
Writing | Kat Nicholls
SOCIETY