In today's lecture, we'll discuss the impact of urban green spaces on mental health. Recent studies have shown that access to parks and gardens can significantly reduce stress levels. For example, a 2020 study in London found that people living within a 10-minute walk of a park reported 20% lower anxiety scores. However, the benefits were stronger for older adults than for younger people. Interestingly, the size of the green space mattered less than its proximity and the presence of trees. So, while large parks are valuable, small neighborhood gardens with dense tree cover can be equally effective for daily stress relief.
❓ According to the lecture, which factor is most important for reducing stress through green spaces?