Living in a city may be tough on a person's health, but researchers have now linked the presence of green spaces—or simulated natural environments—to several positive health outcomes, according to a study published in the journal Psychological Science.
Researchers surveyed 10,000 adults between 1991 and 2008, finding that individuals who moved to areas with more green spaces reported a "green space effect"—that is, lower levels of mental distress and higher levels of life satisfaction.
"These kinds of comparisons are important for policymakers when trying to decide how to invest scarce public resources, such as for park development or upkeep, and figuring out what 'bang' they'll get for their buck," says lead author Matthew White.
The researchers add that part of the mental uplift is owed to an increase in physical activity.
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