Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41507873›Full record

SynthesisBMC public health2026

Association between green space exposure and elderly health: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Mengyao Wang, Yajie Che, Xinyun Tan, Nan Zhang, Shan Yu, Ping Yan

Abstract readSystematic ReviewMeta-Analysis
In one paragraph

Synthesis in BMC public health, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Mengyao Wang *School of Nursing, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 830000, China.
Yajie Che *School of Nursing, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 830000, China.
Xinyun TanXiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410083, China.
Nan ZhangSchool of Nursing, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 830000, China.
Shan YuXinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830011, China.
Ping YanSchool of Nursing, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 830000, China. yanping@xjmu.edu.cn.

Funding

Science and Technology Aid to Xinjiang Project of the Natural Science Foundation of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China 2022E02119Xinjiang Medical University Research and Innovation Team Project XYD2024C06
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundExposure to green spaces is associated with many health benefits across various stages of life. However, no comprehensive synthesis currently exists to consolidate this evidence into a systematic body of knowledge that captures the overall impact of exposure to green space on the health of older adults. This systematic review seeks to address this gap by generating a thorough, integrated evidence base and offering valuable insights for future research directions and practical applications.

methodsWe adopted an extensive search strategy, drawing from multiple electronic databases as well as the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (United Kingdom) and the Guidelines International Network. The electronic databases searched included the Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Global Health, and CNKI, using the PEOS search framework. The search encompassed publications from the inception of each database to November 2024. A total of 5,749 records were initially identified, and, following a dual-reviewer screening and selection process, 27 studies were ultimately included in the review.

resultsExposure to green spaces was associated with effects on circulatory system disorders, mental health conditions, nervous system diseases, cognitive decline, metabolic disorders, and overall life satisfaction in older adults. Evidence regarding cardiovascular outcomes was mixed, with some studies indicating a U-shaped relationship for hypertension. Exposure to green space demonstrated a protective role against metabolic diseases and was positively associated with enhanced life satisfaction among older adults. Meta-analyses revealed that exposure to green space was associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease ( OR= 0.856, 95% CI: 0.769–0.943) and depression (OR= 0.724, 95% CI: 0.549–0.900).

conclusionsThis systematic review synthesizes the multifaceted health effects of green environments on ageing populations, critically evaluating empirical evidence on exposure to green space and health outcomes in older adults. The findings present a robust, evidence-based framework that underscores consistent associations between the accessibility and quality of green spaces and key indicators of geriatric health, thereby laying the groundwork for designing targeted, nature-based behavioral interventions.

trial registrationPROSPERO (CRD42024619700).

Indexed as

Environment DesignHealth StatusAgedHumansElderly healthGreen space exposureSystematic review

Identifiers

PMID41507873
PMCPMC12882215

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.