Nature could be the prescription for loneliness
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Illustration: Natalie Peeples/Axios
A prescription for birdwatching? Doctor's orders to do some gardening?
- It might not be as far-fetched as it sounds.
The big picture: A new study co-authored by a University of Colorado Boulder researcher suggests spending time in nature can fight loneliness — even if you go it alone.
Why it matters: With 1 in 6 people worldwide experiencing loneliness, researchers are looking for remedies that go beyond traditional medical care.
What they did: The study, published this month in The Lancet Regional Health, followed 320 adults experiencing loneliness in Barcelona, Spain.
- Half participated in weekly two-hour group outings to parks and gardens and other nature-based activities for nine weeks.
- The rest received recommendations for free, accessible outdoor activities they could do on their own.
What they found: Loneliness scores dropped an average of 10.5% after three months and nearly 17% after a year across both groups.
- Group outings were especially effective for participants who started out lonelier or with poorer emotional well-being.
The intrigue: Researchers found no significant overall difference between the two approaches.
What they're saying: Nature's sights, sounds and smells can help people relax and connect with others, professor Jill Litt, who co-authored the study, told CU Boulder Today.
- As some participants put it: "Nature doesn't judge you."
What's next: Litt hopes to bring similar trials to the U.S., with an eye toward eventually getting insurance to cover community garden memberships, birdwatching clubs and other outdoor activities.
The bottom line: Turns out, "go touch grass" might someday be doctor's orders.