Wondering how to slow down aging? A new study may have the answer.
Everyone wants it to slow down aging, but we don't even realize that being close to individual infrastructure can also prolong our lives. At least these are the findings of the latest study. A recent study published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, reveals an interesting connection between the presence neighborhood greenery and longer lifespans. The presence of parks, forests, trees and gardens in the neighborhood is said to have a beneficial effect on your lifespan.
Researchers from North Carolina State University focused on tiny structures in human DNA - telomeres. Telomeres are nucleoprotein structures at the ends of chromosomes that protect chromosomes and play an important role in aging. dr. Scott Ogletree, one of the authors of the study, points out in a press release that telomeres are sensitive to life's stresses, which can contribute to their wear and tear. This shortens the telomeres and makes our chromosomes more vulnerable.
How to slow down aging?
The researchers analyzed the health and demographic data of 7,827 individuals for the purposes of the study. All with the aim of investigating the connection between living environment and telomeres. They checked the presence of greenery in each study participant's neighborhood and looked at how this alone might affect the length of their telomeres. The analysis also took into account lifestyle choices, health history and broader environmental factors such as air quality and historical neighborhood segregation.
Researchers found that people who live in greener neighborhoods tend to have longer telomeres. As a result, people living in greener neighborhoods are said to age more slowly. It is important to emphasize that the researchers point out that green areas are useful, but less so than other environmental and social indicators. Stress, pollution, social environment, socioeconomic status have also proven to be factors that research has shown can have a significant impact on health.
How to live longer? The answer may not be so simple, but the fact is that we do a lot for our health by moving in nature. However, the research also serves as a reminder that if we are to fully exploit the benefits of these natural spaces, we must face a wider range of environmental and social challenges.
