There are 7.7 billion people living on the planet, with more than half of the world’s population residing in cities. This creates a challenge for urban planners to efficiently accommodate the increasing numbers of residents in a healthy and positive environment.
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This is also important for our mental health and well-being, as statistics show one in four people experience mental health difficulties each year. Current research further suggests people who live in greener urban environments have fewer symptoms of mental health distress and better life satisfaction. When people relocate to those greener environments their mental health symptoms have been shown to reduce. Urban green space is not a new concept, in fact public green spaces were officially designated in the 19th century, informed by a belief they might provide health benefits.
A 2009 article on morbidity is related to a green living environment, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found people actually have less mental distress, less anxiety and depression, greater well-being profiles when living in urban areas with more green space compared with less. There are also significant gaps in disease prevalence when comparing residents of more green spaces than lesser green environments.
Researchers Barton and Rogerson, who wrote an article on the importance of green space for mental health, found that green spaces are often used by the psychological profession in a targeted way to deliver structured therapeutic interventions for vulnerable groups such as at-risk youth, individuals living with dementia or ill mental health.
For example, those who are living with dementia, green spaces can positively influence eating and sleeping patterns, fitness and mobility, sense of well-being, self-esteem, improved social interaction and a sense of belonging. Their emotional states are also improved with reduced stress, agitation, anger, apathy and depression.
Dr Stephen Kellert, a former professor at Yale University – who conducted world-renowned research on our inherent human inclination to affiliate with nature – also advanced the understanding of the connection between humans and the natural world.
He said that given the current prevalence and costs of worldwide mental ill-health and the concurrent rise in global urbanisation, it’s important to incorporate green space into the design of buildings, healthcare facilities, social care settings, homes and communities.
Increasing urban greenspace will create a healthier, happier and more productive environmental urban landscape, while providing mental health and well-being benefits for all. Research conducted in the Netherlands found that people who think of their local green spaces as more accessible and usable felt more satisfied with their neighbourhood, regardless of the amount of green space they had. Residents of those neighbourhoods found that satisfaction was associated with happiness, and they reported better mental health and more emotional attachment to their local green space.
When people relocate to those greener environments their mental health symptoms have been shown to reduce.
Dr Andrew Lee, a public health researcher at the University of Sheffield, has conducted large reviews of green space research. He recently said the functionality of green spaces is paramount for making people happy. Green spaces are where people get together, have a chat and go for walks. That kind of contact and interaction builds social networks, which is where the real impact is coming from those green spaces.
We are somewhat fortunate in our area that we have ample green spaces that cater to our well-being and mental health needs.
However, can more be done? For example, in Albury there is a parcel of concrete land that sits sandwiched between the Target and Mates buildings, which is being used as a parking lot.
Albury City Council has done a wonderful job redesigning that section of Kiewa Street, however wouldn’t it be nice to see a green space gathering spot located there instead?
Possibly to accommodate the hundreds of pedestrians who bob and weave their way around street and car parking traffic?
A place of respite for people, a quiet space among the bustling of shops, and shoppers, to escape to.
The effects of green spaces are real – nature can provide mental health relief.
Anthony Perrone is college counsellor at Trinity Anglican College. The views expressed are Dr Perrone's and not necessarily those of Trinity Anglican College.