The U.K. government recently launched its first ‘Loneliness Strategy’ as loneliness becomes one of the most pressing public health issues due to changing ways of living and an increasingly digital society.
In the strategy the importance of urban green spaces is recognized as an essential element for physical and mental well-being. This claim is supported by several studies from different countries in which green urban spaces are associated with well-being by way of reducing stress, encouraging physical exercise and enhancing social behavior.
The Conversation identifies three main interventions that have a direct bearing on isolations and loneliness: the accessibility of toilets that take away hurdles for older people and people with disabilities to go outside; provision of staff in parks to organize events in order to meet other people and engage in meaningful activity; and support for voluntary and community organizations to put on activities to create safe and supportive environments.
Read more about The Conversation’s research here and view the full U.K. Strategy on Loneliness here.
