Green Spaces as a Mental Health Support During COVID-19, New Research Finds

A comprehensive national study conducted by researchers from Carleton University and the University of Toronto highlights the significant role of green spaces in supporting mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research indicates that older adults residing in neighborhoods with higher levels of greenery, such as parks, trees, and private gardens, were less likely to develop depression throughout the pandemic's early months.

The study, titled "Residential Greenness Reduced Depression During COVID-19: Longitudinal Analyses from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA)," was published in PLOS One. It analyzed data from over 13,000 urban participants and found that access to nearby green environments acts as a mental health buffer. This effect was especially pronounced in individuals without a prior history of depression, those with limited economic resources, and individuals with mobility challenges.

Key findings include that those living in greener urban areas had lower depression rates, with non-depressed individuals before COVID-19 being significantly less likely to develop depressive symptoms. Dr. Paul J. Villeneuve from Carleton University emphasized that urban greenery played a protective role during this stressful period.

The benefits were particularly noticeable among lower-income populations, suggesting that green spaces might help mitigate some socio-economic disparities in mental health. Co-author Susanna Abraham Cottagiri pointed out that green areas may have provided essential psychological relief during times of social restrictions.

Furthermore, individuals with mobility limitations experienced more significant mental health benefits from residing in greener neighborhoods, possibly because their access to distant green spaces was restricted. The study also found that people who rarely left their homes before the pandemic saw more substantial mental health improvements from nearby greenery, implying that green spaces become even more valuable when social interactions and outings are limited.

These findings argue for urban planning policies that prioritize equitable access to green spaces, especially in underserved communities. Experts suggest integrating green infrastructure into mental health resilience strategies to better prepare cities for future public health challenges.

The research utilized satellite data to measure greenness and linked it to depression assessments at two points: pre-pandemic and six months into the pandemic. While the study offers critical insights, it acknowledges that vulnerable populations like those in long-term care were not represented in the sample.

Overall, the evidence underscores the importance of maintaining and expanding green spaces in urban environments, not only for aesthetic purposes but as a vital component of mental health support amid crises.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-access-green-space-mental-health.html