# Living Near Parks Linked to Sharper Thinking in Older Adults

- **Evidence Level**: Moderate
- **Journal**: Social science & medicine (1982)
- **Sample Size**: 62,333 older adults in urban Beijing
- **Published**: 2026-03-27
- **Topics**: cognitive health, green space, urban design
- **Original Source**: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41946187/

## Summary

In over 62,000 older adults across Beijing, living closer to green spaces was tied to better scores on cognitive tests. The connection held whether researchers measured actual greenery, park distance, or how much green people could see. A key finding: cognitive scores dropped noticeably once people lived more than 500 meters from a park. The study controlled for demographics and environmental factors across 324 community health centers.

## Practical Takeaway

This study suggests living near accessible green spaces may help preserve cognitive function in older age.

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_Canonical: https://longevity-germany.com/en/research/living-near-parks-linked-to-sharper-thinking-in-older-adults · Part of Longevity Cities · Updated 2026-03-27_