Recent studies have possibly uncovered an alternate explanation for some individuals who reside in regions that are typically surrounded by natural elements. Apparently, they have younger biological ages. Isn’t it just great?! Through their analysis of 7,827 participants and the environments in which they lived, the researchers discovered that individuals who resided in regions that contained a greater number of trees, gardens, parks, and other forms of vegetation had longer telomeres (a region in DNA sequences that is related with longevity).
Find some further fascinating information below.
Encircling ourselves with natural elements has a multitude of positive effects on our bodies, including improved healthier hearts, mental health, and stronger immune systems that are still growing. The telomeres that we mentioned previously are really impressive in their own right! They are repeating portions of DNA that can be found at the extremities of each of our 46 chromosomes, and they serve the purpose of keeping the genetic material from unraveling in the same way as the loose ends of shoelaces do. How impressive!
Considering the average rate of attrition in the sample, greenspace could reduce a person’s biological age by 2.2 to 2.6 years, explained Scott Ogletree, a geospatial analyst at the University of Edinburgh.
How can nature actually save us?
People are aware that green areas may reduce stress in a variety of different ways. Plants provide us with protection and insulation from the environment, allowing us to benefit from a temperature reduction of several degrees during periods of extreme heat. Both air and noise pollution are reduced as a result. However, at the same time that we have been gaining an understanding of how inextricably our brains and bodies are connected to the outside world, we have also grown more disconnected from it than we have ever been before, both in terms of our perceptions and the actual reality that we experience.
Obviously, the great advantages that nature provides are only effective up to a certain limit. The favorable effects of green spaces were eliminated when the researchers took into consideration danger indicators such as pollution in the air. Furthermore, when women are considered on their own, the effects are not as straightforward, which suggests that extra illness risks or other social pressures may be exerting a more significant role in determining the length of their telomeres.
The fact that green spaces are connected with a decreased risk of crime and encourage people to engage in physical exercise and social contact is the most advantageous aspect of these areas. Neat!
