Toronto, ON — A remarkable national study has emerged from an interdisciplinary team comprised of distinguished researchers from Carleton University and the University of Toronto, revealing a compelling connection between living in green neighborhoods and mental health during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. This research, based on data collected from over 13,000 urban-dwelling participants in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA), suggests that the presence of nearby green spaces—including public parks, tree canopies, and even private gardens—may serve as a protective buffer against depression. This insight proves especially significant for individuals who had no prior history of mental health issues and those facing economic hardships and mobility constraints.
The researchers identified critical findings that illustrate the profound relationship between urban greenery and mental well-being in the context of a global health crisis. One striking outcome was the observation that urban environments replete with vegetation correlate with significantly lower rates of depression experienced during the pandemic. Participants who lived in greener neighborhoods exhibited a marked resilience against developing depressive symptoms, particularly if they entered the pandemic without any mental health challenges.
Dr. Paul J. Villeneuve, the lead author of this pivotal study and a Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at Carleton University, emphasized the intrinsic role of urban greenery during such tumultuous times. His assertion encapsulated the sentiments of the research team: “Urban greenery wasn’t just a backdrop — it played a protective mental health role in one of the most stressful global events in recent history.” This statement encapsulates the researchers’ perspective on the necessity of green spaces in urban planning and mental health strategies.
The second key finding revealed that lower-income Canadians particularly benefitted from residing in greener neighborhoods. The mental health advantages associated with residential greenness were notably pronounced among individuals with fewer economic resources. Researchers utilized satellite data to assess greenery and its correlation with validated depression measures. The data indicated that lower-income individuals, especially those who were not previously depressed, experienced a meaningful buffering effect, highlighting the socio-economic implications of access to nature during the pandemic.
Susanna Abraham Cottagiri, a doctoral candidate at the School of Medicine at Queen’s University and co-author of the study, remarked on the importance of these findings. She noted that “green spaces may have played a modest, yet meaningful, role in supporting the mental well-being of lower-income Canadians during the pandemic.” This connection is particularly relevant during a period marked by increasing socio-economic inequities exacerbated by the pandemic, making the call for accessible green spaces imperative.
Additionally, the research brought to light the specific benefits experienced by individuals facing mobility challenges. Among participants who did not have a pre-existing diagnosis of depression, those with restricted mobility gained even more from living in areas abundant with greenery. This phenomenon could be attributed to their limited access to more distant green areas; hence, the green space immediately adjacent to their residences became an invaluable resource for sustaining mental health.
Dr. Ying Jiang, a Senior Epidemiologist at the Public Health Agency of Canada and one of the study’s co-authors, asserted that “when mobility is limited, the greenery right outside your door may play a particularly important role in supporting mental health and well-being.” This statement underscores the critical importance of having accessible nature nearby for individuals with varying degrees of mobility, as it can serve as a source of comfort and a means to alleviate stress.
Perhaps most compelling was the study’s revelation regarding individuals who, prior to the pandemic, seldom ventured outside their yards. Those participants saw enhanced protective benefits from living in greener neighborhoods as social interactions became limited due to COVID-19 restrictions. The findings suggest that for individuals who had little experience with outdoor spaces, the psychological value of greenery surged during a time when communal connections were constrained.
Dr. Margaret de Groh, a study co-author, reflected on these outcomes, stating, “It appears that the psychological value of green space may increase when social connections are restricted.” This statement highlights the importance of nature in fostering psychological resilience amid social isolation, particularly during a global crisis where individuals often found themselves confined to their immediate surroundings.
In light of these findings, the researchers advocate for a reevaluation of urban planning and mental health policy in Canada. The evidence points toward the necessity for equitable access to green spaces, especially within lower-income neighborhoods. As the research team concluded, “There is a need to expand equitable access to green space, particularly in lower-income neighborhoods, to protect and preserve local greenery, even during public health emergencies, and to integrate green infrastructure into mental health resilience strategies.”
The significance of this research extends beyond mere numbers or findings; it highlights the vital need for urban planning that prioritizes nature as a fundamental aspect of public health. By emphasizing the importance of green spaces, policymakers and community planners can work towards creating environments that not only foster physical well-being but also support mental health.
This study represents one of the few longitudinal analyses that scrutinize the interplay between mental health and green space during the pandemic. Employing a unique methodological approach, researchers tapped into satellite data to assess the prevalence of greenery and correlated it with validated metrics of depression, capturing a transformative moment in mental health research across two time points: before the pandemic and six months into the crisis.
While the study provides invaluable insights, the authors acknowledge the limitations of their sample. They specifically note that some of the most vulnerable populations, including those residing in long-term care facilities, were absent from their study cohort. This lack of representation invites future research to delve deeper into the diverse experiences of individuals across various living situations, ensuring that the mental health benefits of greenery are documented holistically.
In summary, this groundbreaking research unambiguously illuminates the mental health advantages conferred by living in green neighborhoods during an unprecedented global crisis. As societies continue to grapple with the aftereffects of the pandemic, the evidence presented herein serves as a clarion call to rethink our urban environments and prioritize the integration of nature into our daily lives, thereby fostering mental health resilience in the face of future adversities.
Subject of Research: Mental health impacts of urban greenery during COVID-19
Article Title: Residential Greenness Reduced Depression During COVID-19: Longitudinal Analyses from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA)
News Publication Date: August 20, 2025
Web References: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0329141
References: Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
Image Credits: Not provided
Keywords
Urban greenery, mental health, COVID-19, depression, socioeconomic status, mobility limitations, green space, urban planning, public health.
