Swedish study links residential greenery to healthier ageing, especially among women.
A new long-term study from Sweden suggests that older adults living near parks, trees, and other green spaces may face a significantly lower risk of developing dementia. The research, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, followed nearly 3,000 participants over 16 years and found that those with more greenery within 100 metres of their homes had a 21% lower risk of dementia than those with less nearby vegetation.
The study followed 2,993 individuals who were dementia-free at the outset. Over the course of the research, 477 participants were diagnosed with dementia. When researchers assessed the amount of greenery around participants’ homes, they found that the strongest protective effect was linked to immediate residential environments- specifically within 100 metres. At 250 and 500 metres, the association weakened, highlighting the importance of proximity to nature.
Interestingly, the findings revealed notable differences between men and women. Women living near green spaces experienced a 31% lower risk of dementia, while the association among men was weaker and not statistically significant. Although the study did not explain why women appeared to benefit more, the results point to possible variations in how different groups interact with their environments.
Researchers also considered other factors, including air pollution, traffic noise, water bodies, age, and genetic predispositions. While these factors may influence cognitive health, greenery emerged as a consistent protective factor. Green spaces are thought to support brain health indirectly by reducing exposure to pollutants, mitigating noise, encouraging physical activity, lowering stress, and fostering social connections- all of which contribute to healthier ageing.
Despite its strengths, the study remains observational, so it cannot establish cause and effect. Dementia is a complex condition influenced by genetics, cardiovascular health, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Green spaces should therefore be viewed as one component of a broader approach to healthy ageing rather than a guaranteed preventive measure.
The findings add to growing evidence that urban design and access to nature may influence public health. As cities expand, ensuring older adults have nearby access to greenery could become an important strategy for supporting cognitive wellbeing. Further research across diverse populations is needed to confirm whether enhancing urban green spaces can measurably improve brain health.
