# Green Space Exposure (incl. Shinrin-yoku)

Green space exposure means how close you live to, or how much time you spend in, vegetated places: city parks, street trees, or forests. It includes the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku ('forest bathing'). The evidence is solid. A 2019 review and meta-analysis of nine cohorts (over 8 million adults across seven countries) found a clear link. Each 0.1 rise in neighborhood greenness (the NDVI vegetation index, within 500 m) was tied to 4% lower all-cause death (pooled HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94 to 0.97). How might greenery help? Through lower chronic stress and cortisol, more physical activity, more social connection, and less air pollution and heat. And in forests specifically, you inhale 'phytoncides' (wood terpenes) that boost natural killer (NK) cell activity and anti-cancer proteins. The strongest replication is for benefits lasting beyond 7 days; up-to-30-day persistence comes from smaller Japanese follow-ups. The effects are dose-dependent, and strongest for cardiovascular death.

## Sources

- Rojas-Rueda D, Nieuwenhuijsen MJ, Gascon M, et al.. (2019). Green spaces and mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. The Lancet Planetary Health. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2542-5196(19)30215-3
- Li Q. (2010). Effect of forest bathing trips on human immune function. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12199-008-0068-3
- Li Q, Morimoto K, Nakadai A, et al.. (2007). Forest bathing enhances human natural killer activity and expression of anti-cancer proteins. International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology. https://doi.org/10.1177/03946320070200S202

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_Canonical: https://longevity-germany.com/en/glossary/green-space-exposure · Part of Longevity Cities · Updated 2026-06-22_