The Connection Between Green Space and Our Wellbeing.
The disconnect between humans and nature has become more pronounced in our fast-paced urban world; it is easy to see. Observational studies reveal a disturbing trend: diseases mediated through the immune system are more prevalent among populations embracing modern urban lifestyles than those with preindustrial living conditions. Researchers believe the shift is primarily attributed to the significant biodiversity loss in contemporary living environments.
The Biodiversity Crisis and Its Health Implications
The spread of cities has reduced our exposure to diverse microbes while increasing contact with harmful bacteria in crowded areas. High hygiene standards, processed foods, and antibiotics in city life further disrupt our bodies’ natural balance of microbes. This imbalance, called dysbiosis, is linked to various immune-system-related diseases. Low biodiversity in our living environments results in a poorly prepared immune system.
A promising study from Finland provides hope. Researchers transformed daycare outdoor play areas to resemble forest floors and compared these with standard and nature-oriented daycares. After just 28 days, children in the modified environments showed a healthier mix of gut bacteria and better immune markers than their peers.
Green Spaces: A Natural Boost for Cognitive and Behavioral Health
Green spaces offer profound benefits beyond physical health. Recent research shows that exposure to green spaces can significantly reduce behavioral problems, enhance cognitive abilities, and even improve academic performance. For instance, a 2015 study from Barcelona’s Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology monitored 2,500 children over a year. The findings revealed that children with more green spaces around their schools had better working memory and attention span. The researchers partly attributed these benefits to cleaner air.
Another study from Belgium found that children raised in greener areas had higher IQs and fewer behavior problems. Analyzing over 600 Belgian students aged 10 to 15, researchers found that a 3% increase in neighborhood greenery could boost a child’s IQ by an average of 2.6 points. Such findings emphasize the critical need for urban planners to prioritize green spaces, creating environments that nurture children’s full potential.
Lifelong Benefits of Green Spaces
Children with more green space near their homes enjoy stronger bones and immune systems, potentially reaping lifelong health benefits. High exposure to outdoor environments may be an inexpensive, accessible, and eco-friendly way to support children’s self-control and brain development. For some, this exposure could serve as a natural intervention for attention disorders, providing a safe alternative to medication.
The benefits of green spaces extend through different stages of life. For children up to the age of six, benefits include:
- Improved balance and motor coordination.
- Better sleep.
- Reduced nearsightedness.
- A lifelong concern for nature.
Teenagers between 15 and 17 experience increased physical activity, better attention spans, improved stress management, lower blood pressure and cortisol levels, and a greater enthusiasm for learning. UNICEF emphasizes that every child should have easy access to safe and welcoming public green spaces, regardless of where they live.
Green Spaces for Adult Populations
Green spaces are not just crucial for children; they play a vital role in adults’ health and cognitive functioning, particularly older people. Access to nature can foster renewal, enhance living standards, and cultivate healthier, more vibrant neighborhoods. Catalin Zorzini, founder of Earth.fm highlights the benefits of connecting with nature, stating, “Opportunities to connect with nature and find quiet—away from traffic noise, pneumatic drills, and the general city buzz—are so important for our mental wellbeing.”
Biophilic Design: Integrating Nature into Urban Environments
With most of us spending 90% of our time indoors, biophilic design aims to reconnect us with nature in modern buildings and cities. The entire community thrives when living spaces align with our instincts. On the other hand, environments lacking natural elements can harm health and performance. The modern practice of placing people in sensory-deprived, artificial settings like office buildings, hospitals, and schools has led to increased fatigue, disease symptoms, and reduced productivity. Simply adding natural lighting, outside views, and plants can significantly improve health and productivity.
Conclusion: Reconnecting with Nature for a Healthier Future
As we continue to urbanize, we must recognize the invaluable benefits of green spaces and natural elements in our daily lives. By prioritizing the integration of nature into our urban landscapes, we can combat the negative health impacts of modern living, foster cognitive and behavioral development in children, and promote overall wellbeing for all age groups. Let’s root ourselves in reality and embrace the profound connection between nature and human health.