scholarly journals Impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on urban park visitation: a global analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dehui (Christina) Geng ◽  
John Innes ◽  
Wanli Wu ◽  
Guangyu Wang
Keyword(s):  
Global Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Green Spaces ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Spiritual Wellness ◽  
Government Response ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Park Visitation ◽  
Park Design

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in over 33 million confirmed cases and over 1 million deaths globally, as of 1 October 2020. During the lockdown and restrictions placed on public activities and gatherings, green spaces have become one of the only sources of resilience amidst the coronavirus pandemic, in part because of their positive effects on psychological, physical and social cohesion and spiritual wellness. This study analyzes the impacts of COVID-19 and government response policies to the pandemic on park visitation at global, regional and national levels and assesses the importance of parks during this global pandemic. The data we collected primarily from Google’s Community Mobility Reports and the Oxford Coronavirus Government Response Tracker. The results for most countries included in the analysis show that park visitation has increased since February 16th, 2020 compared to visitor numbers prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Restrictions on social gathering, movement, and the closure of workplace and indoor recreational places, are correlated with more visits to parks. Stay-at-home restrictions and government stringency index are negatively associated with park visits at a global scale. Demand from residents for parks and outdoor green spaces has increased since the outbreak began, and highlights the important role and benefits provided by parks, especially urban and community parks, under the COVID-19 pandemic. We provide recommendations for park managers and other decision-makers in terms of park management and planning during health crises, as well as for park design and development. In particular, parks could be utilized during pandemics to increase the physical and mental health and social well-being of individuals.

Jogging, nordic walking and going for a walk - inter-disciplinary recommendations to keep people physically active in times of the covid-19 lockdown in Tyrol, Austria

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anika Frühauf ◽  
Martin Schnitzer ◽  
Wolfgang Schobersberger ◽  
Günter Weiss ◽  
Martin Kopp
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Strong Impact ◽  
Health It ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Nordic Walking ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Outdoor Sports ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Hiking Trails

Physical activity has a strong impact on physical and mental health. It prevents diseases, strengthens the immune system, and helps to reduce stress. Moreover, physical activity increases the psychological well-being, with outdoor exercise showing even more positive effects. In times when national regulations also restrict the possibilities for exercise, the authors—referring to scientifically sound findings and adhering to the current social distancing rules—recommend allowing moderate outdoor sports activities (jogging, Nordic walking, going for a walk) and the use of park trails, hiking trails, and forest roads in easy terrains.

scholarly journals Impact of Frequency of Visits and Time Spent in Urban Green Space on Subjective Well-Being

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (15) ◽  
pp. 4189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sung-Kwon Hong ◽  
Sang-Woo Lee ◽  
Hyun-Kil Jo ◽  
Miyeon Yoo
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Green Spaces ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Urban Green ◽  
Urban Green Spaces ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Visit Frequency

Exposure to green spaces can reduce the negative effects of stress. This study examines how frequency of visits and time spent in urban green spaces (UGS) affect urban dwellers’ subjective well-being. We also investigated the numbers of respondents visiting UGS, their primary motivation, and constraints on their ability to visit. Using quota sampling, an online survey was conducted of 400 residents of Daejeon City, South Korea. ANOVA results indicated no significant interactions between visit frequency and time spent in UGS. Respondents who had visited UGS within the past two weeks expressed higher positive and lower negative emotions than did non-visitors, regardless of visit frequency, and regular visitors showed higher general life satisfaction levels. These positive effects were confirmed by estimated structural equation models. However, the time spent in UGS did not affect emotions or life satisfaction in general. Heavy users mostly visited UGS to walk, and light/non-users cited the lack of urban green spaces near their home as the major constraint on visiting UGS. The estimated structural equation models clearly show positive effects from motivation and negative effects of constraints and access time to UGS on visit frequency. To improve urban dwellers’ subjective well-being, UGS should prioritize good walking environments and accessibility.

The Participation of Biophilic Design in the Design of the Post-Pandemic Living Space

2022 ◽  
pp. 75-106
Author(s):  
Miray Gür ◽  
Timur Kaprol
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Green Spaces ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Design Elements ◽  
Healthy Environment ◽  
Biophilic Design ◽  
Living Space ◽  
Biophilic Elements

During the COVID-19 process, nature has been a place of escape regarding socialization and well-being. The aim of biophilic design, which supports physical and mental health in a fair and accessible way, is to evaluate the interaction with a healthy environment and to develop design proposals in this context. As a method, post-pandemic requirements, behaviors, and spatial scales are examined through a model in terms of biophilic design, and suggestions are made for the new normal by researching biophilic elements. The biophilic design provides the potential to use nature, daylight, air, and vitality as design elements to improve the quality of spaces and support the experiences of societies. Apart from including green spaces and ecosystems in the design, biophilic design can enrich the multisensory and multidimensional experiences both individually and socially by enabling users to participate in this experience. While this approach supports sound, healthy, and safe living spaces, it will also provide for cities to be sustainable and resilient.

scholarly journals Social Islands: Examining the Intersection of Isolation and Technology Use

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 462-463
Author(s):  
Joseph Svec ◽  
Megan Gilligan
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Adult Child ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Using Data

Abstract Life course theory suggests that social relationships are tied to overall well-being. In the extant literature social isolation negatively impacts physical and mental health outcomes in later life. In this study, we focus specifically on the association between social isolation and older adult’s self-rated health status. We also examine whether and the extent to which technology use augments negative health consequences attributed to isolation. Using data on 3,758 older adults (ages 65+) from the 2018 wave of the Health and Retirement Study, we contribute to current scholarly examinations at the intersection of technology and isolation. We conduct a series of ordinal logistic regressions to estimate the odds of respondents’ higher self-rated health (from poor = 1 to excellent = 5) on subjective measures of social isolation (i.e. feel left out, lack of companionship and isolated from others) in addition to whether respondents live with a partner and have an adult child who lives in close geographic proximity. Preliminary results show that individuals who perceived higher levels of social isolation evaluated their own health status as poorer. We also find that the use of computers for virtual communications corresponds with higher self-rated health statuses, regardless of the proximity of children or other family members. However, a negative interaction between computer use and isolation indicates the positive effects of technology are limited for those who are highly isolated. These findings suggest that technology impacts on health are nuanced, where an overreliance on technology as a substitute may not consistently yield positive outcomes.

scholarly journals Recognizing and Mitigating Canine Stress during Animal Assisted Interventions

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 254
Author(s):  
Lisa Townsend ◽  
Nancy R. Gee
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Current Thinking ◽  
Stress Signals ◽  
Physical Comfort ◽  
Mental Well Being

Animal-assisted Interventions (AAI) proliferated rapidly since clinicians and researchers first noted the positive effects animals have on people struggling with physical and mental health concerns. The intersection of AAI with the field of animal welfare evolved from considering animals’ basic needs, such as freedom from pain, to recognition that animals experience nuanced emotions. Current conceptualizations of the various roles of companion animals as an adjunct to treatments for humans emphasize not only the animals' physical comfort and autonomy, but also their mental well-being and enjoyment of AAI activities. However, numerous challenges to effective monitoring of animals involved in AAI exist. This article focuses specifically on dogs, highlighting factors that may lead handlers and therapists to miss or ignore canine stress signals during human-animal interactions and offers strategies to recognize and ameliorate dogs’ distress more consistently. The primary goals of this discussion are to summarize the current thinking on canine well-being and to highlight practical applications of animal welfare principles in real-world AAI settings. The paper highlights contextual factors (e.g., physical setting, patient demand), human influences (e.g., desire to help), and intervention characteristics (e.g., presence or absence of a dog-specific advocate) that may promote or inhibit humans’ ability to advocate for therapy dogs during AAI activities. Deidentified examples of each of these factors are discussed, and recommendations are provided to mitigate factors that interfere with timely recognition and amelioration of canine distress.

scholarly journals Comparing the Landscape Fragmentation and Accessibility of Green Spaces in Territories-in-Between across Europe

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 161-180
Author(s):  
Alexander Wandl
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Western Europe ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Landscape Fragmentation ◽  
Green Spaces ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Fragmentation Index ◽  
Environmental Agencies

To improve the positive effects provided by green spaces on human well-being in dispersed urban areas is a key challenge for sustainable spatial development in Europe. This article presents a methodology that allows for the comparison of the potential of green spaces in Territories-in-Between across Europe, in a way that crosses the fields of urban ecology and urbanism. The article adds to the existing knowledge and understanding of the relation between the spatial organisation of systems of green spaces and their accessibility to biodiversity and human well-being. Firstly, it adapts the fragmentation index in a way that it can be applied to the specific spatial characteristics of Territories-in-Between. Secondly, it combines the fragmentation index with an indicator for accessibility of green spaces, in order to integrate aspects of ecology, human well-being and the spatial heterogeneity of the relation between them. The methodology is applied to ten areas across western Europe in order to inform decision and policy makers including urban planners, designers and environmental agencies to be able to assess the potential of system of green spaces for biological diversity and human well-being in an integrated manner.

Spirituality and Well-Being in a Successful Life

2020 ◽  
pp. 296-314
Author(s):  
Bhanu Prasad Behera
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Spiritual Wellbeing ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Active Lifestyle ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Spiritual Community ◽  
Personal Value ◽  
Life Itself ◽  
Life On Earth

Life on earth is about evolving spiritually. Spirituality is not only about meditation and prayer. Life itself is a property of the spirit. Life is about growth, experience, and learning. There are several dimensions that help us to perform our spiritual practices to become internally free and stable. Spiritual wellbeing is a highly personal and universal experience. Spiritual wellbeing is an integral part of emotional, physical, and mental health. Spirituality has positive effects on our lives. It gives peace, freedom, and happiness; helps in treating stress, depression, anorexia; etc. Spiritual wellbeing helps in making relationships better, enhancing personal value, maintaining better work-life balance, understanding the personal value, time to spend alone, finding inner peace, finding job satisfaction, maintaining active lifestyle, balancing and controlling life, better health and longer life, a strong spiritual community, and better connection between people.

scholarly journals Public parks and the pandemic: How park usage has been affected by COVID-19 policies

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. e0251799
Author(s):  
Zoe M. Volenec ◽  
Joel O. Abraham ◽  
Alexander D. Becker ◽  
Andy P. Dobson
Keyword(s):  
New Jersey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Public Parks ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Social Media Data ◽  
Financial Uncertainty ◽  
Park Visitation ◽  
Mental Health Benefits ◽  
Media Data

Public parks serve an important societal function as recreational spaces for diverse communities of people, with well documented physical and mental health benefits. As such, parks may be crucial for how people have handled effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the increasingly limited recreational opportunities, widespread financial uncertainty, and consequent heightened anxiety. Despite the documented benefits of parks, however, many states have instituted park shutdown orders due to fears that public parks could facilitate SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Here we use geotagged social media data from state, county, and local parks throughout New Jersey to examine whether park visitation increased when the COVID-19 pandemic began and whether park shutdown orders were effective at deterring park usage. We compare park usage during four discrete stages of spring 2020: (1) before the pandemic began, (2) during the beginning of the pandemic, (3) during the New Jersey governor’s state-wide park shutdown order, and (4) following the lifting of the shutdown. We find that park visitation increased by 63.4% with the onset of the pandemic. The subsequent park shutdown order caused visitation in closed parks to decline by 76.1% while parks that remained open continued to experience elevated visitation levels. Visitation then returned to elevated pre-shutdown levels when closed parks were allowed to reopen. Altogether, our results indicate that parks continue to provide crucial services to society, particularly in stressful times when opportunities for recreation are limited. Furthermore, our results suggest that policies targeting human behavior can be effective and are largely reversible. As such, we should continue to invest in public parks and to explore the role of parks in managing public health and psychological well-being.

scholarly journals Exercising under COVID-2x: Conceptualizing Future Green Spaces in Australia’s Neighborhoods

Urban Science ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 93
Author(s):  
Dirk H. R. Spennemann
Keyword(s):  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Social Climate ◽  
Green Spaces ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Urban Green ◽  
Urban Green Spaces ◽  
Design Concepts ◽  
Animal Populations

The COVID-19 pandemic has proven to be a social and economic disruptor on a global scale, severely curtailing people’s ability to travel and engage in many recreation activities. Periodic lockdown and stay-at-home orders have exacerbated the situation. In this social climate, urban green spaces have attained a high significance for the maintenance of the physical and mental health of the population. Given the presence of similar coronaviruses in animal populations, it can be predicted that future epidemics and even pandemics will occur. Urban planning needs to incorporate the lessons learnt during COVID-19 in order to future-proof our communities. This paper reviews the role that urban green spaces played during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on these observations, the paper discusses a range of options for the provision of pandemic-sensitive spaces for physical exercise and mental recreation. Design concepts for long-term planning adjustments as well as for future ad-hoc solutions are provided. These include the provision of social distancing ‘pods’ embedded in design and landscaping of permanent parks, the design of ad-hoc, socially distanced ‘parklets’ on a quietened street and a rethink of the design of curb-to-boundary setbacks (nature strip) in residential streets.

scholarly journals Mobility in Blue-Green Spaces Does Not Predict COVID-19 Transmission: A Global Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (23) ◽  
pp. 12567
Author(s):  
Zander S. Venter ◽  
Adam Sadilek ◽  
Charlotte Stanton ◽  
David N. Barton ◽  
Kristin Aunan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Outdoor Recreation ◽  
Global Analysis ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Human Movement ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Green Spaces ◽  
Ambient Air Pollution ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Ecological Regression

Mobility restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic ostensibly prevented the public from transmitting the disease in public places, but they also hampered outdoor recreation, despite the importance of blue-green spaces (e.g., parks and natural areas) for physical and mental health. We assess whether restrictions on human movement, particularly in blue-green spaces, affected the transmission of COVID-19. Our assessment uses a spatially resolved dataset of COVID-19 case numbers for 848 administrative units across 153 countries during the first year of the pandemic (February 2020 to February 2021). We measure mobility in blue-green spaces with planetary-scale aggregate and anonymized mobility flows derived from mobile phone tracking data. We then use machine learning forecast models and linear mixed-effects models to explore predictors of COVID-19 growth rates. After controlling for a number of environmental factors, we find no evidence that increased visits to blue-green space increase COVID-19 transmission. By contrast, increases in the total mobility and relaxation of other non-pharmaceutical interventions such as containment and closure policies predict greater transmission. Ultraviolet radiation stands out as the strongest environmental mitigant of COVID-19 spread, while temperature, humidity, wind speed, and ambient air pollution have little to no effect. Taken together, our analyses produce little evidence to support public health policies that restrict citizens from outdoor mobility in blue-green spaces, which corroborates experimental studies showing low risk of outdoor COVID-19 transmission. However, we acknowledge and discuss some of the challenges of big data approaches to ecological regression analyses such as this, and outline promising directions and opportunities for future research.

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