January 21st

By Mutt Mulligan

Study: Kids who are exposed to green space are happier adults

A new study out of Denmark confirms a key message of the TurfMutt Foundation. Living near and spending time in green space is associated with improved mental health.

To gather the data, scientists followed more than 900,000 Danish people from 1985-2013. The researchers took into account the participants’ income, education, family history of mental illness, and how much green space they were exposed to as youngsters.

The study concluded that children who grew up near the lowest levels of green space had a much higher risk (55% higher) of developing a psychiatric disorder. In short, the study authors report, green space can provide mental health benefits and possibly lower risk of psychiatric disorders.

It’s important to remember that nature starts in our own backyards and community green spaces. Your living landscapes and those in your neighborhoods are increasingly important for improving health and well-being, combating climate change on a micro-level, fostering a sense of community, and supporting the healthy lifestyle that all of us want for our families.

To learn more about the ways exposure to green space positively impacts our health and well-being, check out the TurfMutt Foundation’s Living Landscapes Fact Book.