STUDY: PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN THE COUNTRY OUTLIVE FOLKS FROM THE CITY

Matt Case - December 5th, 2023 - 7:27am PST 

A recent scientific study has reaffirmed a longstanding observation: people living in rural areas, surrounded by trees and nature, tend to have longer lifespans compared to their urban counterparts. This phenomenon, consistent over the years, highlights the significant health benefits of natural environments.

Researchers have found that it's not just the cleaner air quality in rural areas that contributes to this disparity. Proximity to parks and natural spaces encourages more physical activity, such as walking or dog ownership, which directly impacts life expectancy. Moreover, the presence of trees and natural settings has been scientifically validated as reducing stress and enhancing mental health.

The study underscores the importance of integrating green spaces into urban planning, emphasizing that access to nature is not just a luxury, but a critical component of public health and wellbeing. As urban populations continue to grow, this research offers a compelling argument for the prioritization of parks and natural spaces in city landscapes.