Growing up close to green space improves mental health

A study from Aarhus University, Denmark found that children who grow up close to green space have up to 55% less risk of developing a mental illness as an adult.  The researchers used satellite images and data from 1985 to 2013 to map green space around the homes of 1 million Danes, adjusting for known risk factors including socioeconomic status, urbanization and a family history of mental illness.

The researchers explained how noise and air pollution increases the risk of developing a mental illness and that green space creates social cohesion and increases an individual’s physical activity level, all of which are major factors.  With increasing evidence that the natural environment plays a huge role in both the physical and mental health of individuals, it is important that governments around the world consider this when planning for ‘future’ cities.