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A team of researchers from Central South University in Changsha, Hunan, China found that people who live in greener neighborhoods appear to have a lower risk of developing osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis makes bones brittle and raises the risk of fractures, especially in older adults.
The researchers say osteoporosis is shaped by genetics as well as environmental factors. They suggest cleaner air in leafy neighborhoods may help reduce osteoporosis risk.
How the Study Was Conducted
In a large cohort study, the team found that living in greener areas was linked to higher bone density and a lower risk of osteoporosis.
They analyzed health data from roughly 400,000 people in the UK Biobank collected over 12 years. The average age of participants was 56 years.
The researchers wanted to know whether nearby vegetation affects bone strength—specifically bone mineral density and the risk of developing osteoporosis.
They measured surrounding vegetation with the normalized difference vegetation index, a satellite-based metric that estimates how much plant cover is near a person’s home.
They also accounted for participants’ genetic risk for osteoporosis, according to The Independent.
What the Scientists Discovered
Over the study period, 9,307 participants were diagnosed with osteoporosis. Statistical analysis showed that people in greener areas tended to have stronger bones and a lower likelihood of developing osteoporosis.
“The results of this study provide the first evidence that greening residential areas is associated with higher bone mineral density and a reduced risk of developing osteoporosis,” the team reported.
They also found that the link between green environments and osteoporosis was partly tied to local air pollution levels. That fits with earlier research suggesting air pollution can harm bones, especially in people with low vitamin D, hormonal imbalances, inflammation, or oxidative stress.
They also pointed out that people in greener neighborhoods may have more opportunities for physical activity, which can help protect against osteoporosis.
The authors reported that the effect of greenery was stronger among people with lower genetic risk for osteoporosis.
Sara Leyland, a clinical consultant at the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) in the UK, commented on the findings of her Chinese colleagues. “ROS welcomes research that explores the potential link between our environment and the risks of osteoporosis and fractures,” she said. Given the aging global population, these health issues are becoming increasingly relevant. “Access to open spaces to support activity and exercise will undoubtedly help maintain strong bones throughout our lives,” she added.
The study was published in the journal Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.
