Greener surroundings were associated with lower respiratory mortality in older adults
A scoping review found favorable mortality associations, inconsistent short-term respiratory results, and very little evidence about blue spaces.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
This review found associations between exposure to green spaces and lower mortality from lung cancer, pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Short-term lung-function and symptom results were inconsistent, and evidence on blue spaces was sparse. Because most included studies were observational, these findings do not establish that green surroundings caused better respiratory health.
The abstract does not report exposure definitions, comparison groups, follow-up lengths, or effect sizes. The largely observational evidence and limited blue-space research constrain causal interpretation.
What the review covered
Researchers mapped studies of green and blue spaces in older adults, considering both observational and experimental designs. Their question concerned respiratory health, including mortality, lung function, symptoms, and hospitalizations.
Uneven evidence
Brief exposure to green spaces was followed by better lung function or fewer respiratory symptoms in some studies, while others found no significant changes. Blue-space evidence came from a single study involving coastal living and COPD hospitalizations.
The original publication
Association between exposure to green and blue spaces and respiratory health in the elderly: a scoping review.
Lombardi GS, Zjalic D, Del Sario M et al.
BMC Public Health · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41680721
- Record checked
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