Urban green and blue spaces and general and mental health among older adults in Washington state: Analysis of BRFSS data between 2011-2019

Adithya Vegaraju; Solmaz Amiri

doi:10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103148

Urban green and blue spaces and general and mental health among older adults in Washington state: Analysis of BRFSS data between 2011-2019

Health Place. 2024 Jan:85:103148. doi: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103148. Epub 2023 Dec 3.

Authors

Adithya Vegaraju¹, Solmaz Amiri²

Affiliations

¹ Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, USA. Electronic address: a.vegaraju@wsu.edu.
² Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, USA; Institute for Research and Education to Advance Community Health, USA.

PMID: 38043153
DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103148

Abstract

A growing body of evidence highlights the significant effect of built environment features on mental and general health. This study examined the association between distance to and percentage of green and blue space measures and serious psychological distress, general health, and frequent mental distress among older adults living in urban ZIP codes in Washington state. Percentage of green space, particularly tree canopy and forest space, was significantly associated with better self-rated general health and reduced odds of serious psychological distress. Closer distance to blue space was associated with better self-rated general health. Programs which incentivize exposure to green and blue spaces for urban-dwelling, older adults may improve health outcomes.

Keywords: Blue space; General health; Geographic information systems; Green space; Older adults; Psychological distress.

MeSH terms

Aged
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
Environment Design
Humans
Mental Disorders*
Mental Health*
Washington / epidemiology