WOMEN LIVE LONGER NEAR GREENERY.

• Position: YOUR LIFE - Brief article

Women live longer in areas with more green vegetation, according to research in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives. Women with the highest levels of vegetation, or greenness, near their homes have a 12% lower death rate compared to women with the lowest levels of vegetation.

The researchers found the biggest differences in death rates from kidney and respiratory disease and cancer. The researchers also explored how an environment with trees, shrubs, and plants might lower mortality rates. They showed that improved mental health and social engagement are the strongest factors, while increased physical activity and reduced air pollution also contribute.

"It is important to know that trees and plants provide health benefits in our communities, as well as beauty," says Linda Birnbaum, director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. 'The finding of reduced mortality suggests that vegetation may be important to health in a broad range of ways."

The study, conducted by scientists at the Harvard School of Public Health and Brigham...