Research carried out in Japan suggests that seniors who live on tree-lined streets within walking distance of grassy parks live longer than those who live in less green areas. Results of the five-year-long study led by Dr Takehito Takano of Tokyo Medical and Dental University in Yushima, Japan, revealed that the positive effect greenery has on five-year survival remained even after other factors that influence longevity such as age, gender, and marital and socio-economic status were considered. The authors suggest that local greenery promotes longer life as it “is believed to increase the chances of walking outside of the residence, which helps to maintain a high physical functional status.” Takano also found that sunshine seems to have an effect on longevity in men but not in women. Results showed that men living in houses receiving the most hours of sunshine each day were most likely to survive the five-year study period.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health 2002; 56:913-918
