Living near green spaces like parks is beneficial to physical and mental health, according to several studies. Higher levels of vegetation are associated with decreased mortality and improved mental health, social engagement, physical activity, and air quality. Exposure to green spaces is also linked to reduced health risks in children, such as fewer respiratory issues, and improved cardiovascular health in adults. Additionally, long term exposure to greenery in children improves cognitive function by reducing distraction and sharpening memory. Nature plays an important role in well-being by providing visually pleasing and calming surroundings while also reducing environmental pollutants.

1. How Exposure to Green
Spaces Can Improve
Quality of Life
U.S. Lawns

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Living close to green spaces like parks or areas where heavy vegetation is good for
physical and mental health and according to a study, may even extend a person’s life
span.
A 2016 research paper published on the Environment Health Perspective website cited
that higher levels of vegetation were associated with decreased mortality. Greener
environments promote healthier living by improving mental health, increasing social
engagement and physical activity and lowering air pollution. The study also highlights how
the evidence of an association between vegetation and reduced mortality rates can also
be beneficial to commercial landscaping services, presenting architects, designers and
planners with an opportunity to build healthier living places.
Green Spaces Linked with Reduced Health Risks
According to a September 2018 article by the European Lung Foundation, children living
nearby green environments experienced fewer respiratory problems such as asthma
attacks, wheezing or shortness of breath. This is due to the residential “greenness” which
decreases pollutants, making the air healthier to breathe.

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The Journal of the American Heart Association, in a study published on December 2018,
reported findings that residential proximity to vegetation was associated to cardiovascular
health. The study further stated that people who live in greener areas had lower levels of
sympathetic activation, oxidative stress, and had better angiogenic profiles than those
residing in less green surroundings.
Green Spaces and its Impact on Cognitive Development
A May 2018 article published in KCET.org indicated that long term exposure to green
spaces improved children’s cognitive function. Children who are exposed to greenery
experienced less distraction and had sharper memory, indicators of a child’s ability to
excel academically and socially.
The above suggests that nature plays an important role in a person’s physical and mental
health. Aside from providing visually appealing and calming surroundings that can
stimulate brain function, green spaces also reduce the presence of environmental
pollutants that pose health hazards.

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Sources:
https://uslawns.com/locations/tx/lubbock/
https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/ehp.1510363
https://www.europeanlung.org/en/news-and-events/media-centre/press-releases/green-
space-near-home-during-childhood-is-linked-to-fewer-respiratory-problems-in-adulthood
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.118.009117
https://www.kcet.org/shows/socal-connected/long-term-exposure-to-green-spaces-
affects-childrens-cognitive-development