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. (July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bustamante, Gabriela; Guzman, Viveka; Kobayashi, Lindsay C.; Finlay, Jessica
• Is Part Of: Health & place. Volume 76(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-07
• Subjects: Well-being -- Physical and mental health -- COVID-19 pandemic -- Parks -- Nature -- Older adults -- Urban/rural -- Therapeutic landscapes -- Outdoor spaces; Health -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Health services accessibility -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Political planning -- Periodicals; Social medicine -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; Health Policy -- Periodicals; Health Services Accessibility -- Periodicals; Public Health -- Periodicals; Public Policy -- Periodicals; Sociology, Medical -- Periodicals; Épidémiologie -- Périodiques; Politique sanitaire -- Périodiques; Santé, Services de -- Accessibilité -- Périodiques; Health services accessibility; Health -- Social aspects; Political planning; Public health; Social medicine; Periodicals; 613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2022.102813
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-8292

Abstract

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. Highlights: Responses to COVID-19 highlight therapeutic landscapes experiences as dynamic & relational. Participants purposefully engaged with diverse natural and outdoor spaces during COVID-19. Outdoor engagement supported perceived social, mental, and physical well-being. Living around more parks was linked to less depression and anxiety among urban residents. The pandemic highlights natural and built environmental disparities.