Mental health and well-being in times of COVID-19: A mixed-methods study of the role of neighborhood parks, outdoor spaces, and nature among US older adults.

TitleMental health and well-being in times of COVID-19: A mixed-methods study of the role of neighborhood parks, outdoor spaces, and nature among US older adults.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2022
AuthorsBustamante, G, Guzman, V, Kobayashi, LC, Finlay, J
JournalHealth Place
Volume76
Pagination102813
Date Published2022 Jul
ISSN1873-2054
KeywordsAged, COVID-19, Humans, Loneliness, Mental Health, Pandemics, Parks, Recreational, Residence Characteristics
Abstract

The role of parks and nature to support well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic is uncertain. To examine this topic, we used mixed-methods data collected in April-May 2020 from US adults aged ≥55 in the COVID-19 Coping Study. We quantitatively evaluated the associations between number of neighborhood parks and depression, anxiety, and loneliness; and conducted qualitative thematic analysis of participants' outdoor experiences. Among urban residents, depression and anxiety were inversely associated with the number of neighborhood parks. Thematic analysis identified diverse engagement in greenspaces that boosted physical, mental, and social well-being. The therapeutic potential of outdoor and greenspaces should be considered for interventions during future epidemics.

DOI10.1016/j.healthplace.2022.102813
Alternate JournalHealth Place
PubMed ID35623164
PubMed Central IDPMC9127349
Grant ListP30 AG012846 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
F32 AG064815 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
T32 CA163184 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States