Living near green spaces linked to longer lifespans, RIVM study finds
New research by the RIVM reveals that people living in greener environments tend to live longer. While the exact health benefits of green spaces remain hard to quantify, the findings underscore the importance of urban greening for public health and policy decisions.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Institution | National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) |
| Research Focus | Health effects of green spaces in living environments |
| Key Finding | People live longer in greener neighborhoods |
| Measurement Method | Satellite imagery linked to mortality rates |
| Guidelines Published | December 2025 (for municipalities and provinces) |
| Challenges | Difficulty in quantifying the exact impact of green spaces on health |
The RIVM plays a crucial role in advising Dutch policymakers on public health and environmental planning. This research helps municipalities and provinces prioritize green spaces in urban development to improve residents' well-being and longevity.
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People Live Longer in Greener Environments
A living environment with plenty of greenery benefits health. This is supported by extensive scientific research. The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) investigated whether the health effects of green spaces in the environment can be quantified. It turns out to be difficult to precisely determine to what extent green spaces in the living environment prevent disease. However, it does appear that people live longer in greener environments.
In our immediate surroundings, green spaces can be found in various places: a tree providing shade on a hot day, a park with soothing natural sounds, or a recreational area where friends exercise together.
People living in green environments are often healthier. This is partly because physical activity in green spaces benefits fitness and the immune system. Exercising with others in a green environment also positively impacts mental health.
What Does Green Space Do for Our Health?
It proves challenging to quantify exactly how this “healthy green effect” works. This is because many factors influence the onset or prevention of diseases. Scientific studies also often use different definitions of “green.” It could refer to the number of trees or the proximity of a park, making it harder to pinpoint at what level of greenery these positive effects emerge.
However, this research confirms: in greener environments, people tend to live longer on average. This was determined by using satellite imagery to measure the amount of greenery in a neighborhood and linking it to mortality rates.
Greening Neighborhoods for Better Health
In December 2025, the RIVM published a set of guidelines that municipalities and provinces can use to make public spaces greener. The newly published literature review confirms the health benefits of green spaces in living environments and suggests further research into green space composition.
More knowledge in this area helps policymakers weigh the health benefits of green spaces when making decisions about environmental planning, such as creating a park in an urban area.