Extensive new research underscores the profound health advantages of living near nature and spending time outdoors. Drawing from over 140 studies involving more than 290 million people worldwide, the findings reveal that exposure to green spaces significantly lowers risks of type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death, preterm birth, stress, and high blood pressure. Communities with greater access to these spaces consistently report superior overall health.
Green spaces include open, undeveloped natural areas with vegetation, as well as urban parks and street trees. Researchers compared health outcomes between populations with minimal access and those with high exposure levels.
"We found that spending time in or living near natural green spaces is associated with diverse and significant health benefits," notes the study team. "It reduces risks of type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death, and preterm birth, while also prolonging gestation and improving sleep duration."
"People living closer to nature exhibited lower diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and stress levels," they add. "Notably, green space exposure significantly reduced salivary cortisol—a key physiological stress marker."
