The importance of walkable green spaces in cities

Researchers in Japan did a large study of elderly people living in urban areas. They found that "the probability of five year survival of the senior citizens studied increased in accordance with the space for taking a stroll near the residence, parks and tree lined streets near the residence, and their preference to continue to live in their current community."

"Living in areas with walkable green spaces positively influenced the longevity of urban senior citizens independent of their age, sex, marital status, baseline functional status, and socioeconomic status." To put it plainly: greenspace benefits everyone, rich or poor, male or female, married or unmarried, healthy or sick.

"Greenery filled public areas that are nearby and easy to walk in should be further emphasised in urban planning for the development and re-development of densely populated areas in a megacity."

It's difficult to argue that greenspace and walking space is a "frill" when it contributes to a longer, healthier life!

The research was published in Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.