A study suggests a correlation between living in greener areas and a reduced risk of developing osteoporosis, highlighting the health benefits of leafy surroundings.
A recent study has suggested a potential link between living in greener neighbourhoods and a lower risk of developing osteoporosis, a condition that leads to weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures. Published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, the research utilized data from nearly 400,000 participants in the UK Biobank study, assessing the impact of leafy environments on bone health over a 12-year follow-up period.
Conducted by researchers from Central South University in China, the study found that individuals residing in areas with more green spaces had higher bone density and were less likely to develop osteoporosis. The benefits associated with greener neighbourhoods include factors such as lower air pollution levels, which could indirectly promote bone health by reducing risks linked to vitamin D deficiency and inflammation.
Although the study does not conclusively establish that green spaces directly enhance bone health, it does suggest that the environmental setting plays a role in osteoporosis risk. Sarah Leyland from the Royal Osteoporosis Society highlighted the importance of engaging in physical activities in green areas for maintaining bone strength.
The research also considered genetic risk scores and discovered that the positive association between green spaces and reduced osteoporosis risk was more evident in individuals with low genetic risk. This insight underlines the significance of both genetic and environmental factors in bone health.
The findings contribute to the understanding of how environmental factors can influence the risk of developing osteoporosis. As populations continue to age, such research becomes increasingly relevant to public health strategies, emphasizing the potential health benefits of access to green spaces.
