In today's lecture, we'll discuss the impact of urban green spaces on mental health. A recent study conducted in Melbourne followed 1,000 residents over five years. Participants who visited parks at least once a week reported lower stress levels and improved mood. Interestingly, the size of the green space mattered more than the frequency of visits. Larger parks with diverse trees had a stronger positive effect than small gardens, even when visited daily. The study also found that the benefits were greater for people living within 300 meters of a park, suggesting proximity is crucial. However, the researchers noted that the effect was not uniform across all age groups, with older adults showing less noticeable improvements.