Scientists have investigated whether green living environments could slow down in addition to the advantages for well -being. The study results show that this could actually be the case. In a world first they have a connection between the amount of plants in the immediate vicinity of a person and oneslower biological agingBased on changes in DNA methylation.
How more green on the living environment can slow aging
A robust marker for biological aging is the aging -related changes in methylation that take place in the DNA of an individual. In addition, these cover some sections of the DNA with molecules. With increasing age, such sections of the DNA structure are particularly susceptible to increased methylation. This limits the functionality of the genes affected. Conversely, the aging process can also reduce methylation in other areas. Accordingly, this leads to overexpression of genes, which can be just as harmful. Earlier research show that interventions such as nutritional adjustments and environmental factors can disadvantage the methylation. Therefore, the research team tried to find out whether the amount of green in the living environment could play a role in reducing the accelerated biological aging. The local vegetation density such as gardens and park landscapes can reduce psychological stress. This also offers space for social interaction, promotes physical activity and reduces negative effects through air pollution and heat.
The scientists found that an increased green color of the environment was associated with slower biological aging. The results show that a vegetation density increased by 0.1 units can slow down within 500 meters around the place of residence at 0.31 years. This corresponds to a reduction in total mortality by 3 %. The association remained stable when the team measured the green in 300 meters, one kilometer and two kilometers from the houses. Green is also connected to a reversal of the negative DNA methylation caused by the exposure to cigarette smoke. In addition, this is related to improved immune function and metabolic health. Other biomarkers show that to be surrounded by the green, contributes to reducing the fat tissue in obesity and improved kidney health. To the resultsthis studyHowever, further research is required.
