Key points from article :
If you have long-term exposure to more greenery where you live, you may be add an average of 2.5 years to your life.
Researchers explored the association between long-term exposure to greenery and aging in over 900 people in four U.S. cities.
Green spaces were assessed satellite imaging and identified major parks near participants’ homes.
"Using blood DNA, they measured biological age at a molecular level by analyzing small changes in ageing-related genes," Lifang Hou, study’s principal investigator.
Biological age is not only about what an individual does for their own health, but also their neighborhoods and communities.
“This study demonstrates how exposure to nature, living in greener areas, may get under our skin and lead to fundamental changes to biomarkers of aging,” - Peter James, an environmental epidemiologist.
Study lacks on details of the quality or type of green space such as a golf course or a forested nature trail.
More studies needed to pinpoint benefits from greenery and other social determinants involved.
People should think about their surroundings when making healthy living decisions, in addition to diet, sleep and exercise, Hou said.
Study by Feinberg School of Medicine published in the journal Science Advances.
