Living near vegetation appears to be linked to a longer life and better mental health—for women, at least.
A Harvard study that examined more than 108,000 women over nine years found a 12 percent lower mortality rate among those living in the greenest areas, compared to those in the least green areas.
Some of the risks that appeared to be reduced by living near nature included kidney disease, respiratory disease, and cancer. But it was lower levels of depression that accounted for a full 30 percent of the benefit of greenery.
One study author clarified to CNN that these results don't mean "that people need to move far out to the country in order to live a long life"—pointing out that 84 percent of women in the study live in urban areas. But he did encourage applying the findings to urban design and park planning. "Policymakers, planners and architects may have this tool to create more healthy and sustainable places," he said.
Read the full story: Living near nature linked to longer lives, says study
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