Measurements of nature relatedness, lifestyle and bio-psycho-social well-being among elderly
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The health-protective role of connection to nature has been examined in numerous studies. The aim of the present research was to explore the relationships between connection to nature, lifestyle and mental and physical health among elderly. A total of 107 older adults participated in the questionnaire-based study. The instruments applied included the Mental Health Test, the short version of the Nature Relatedness Scale, a scale measuring physical symptoms, and the Healthy Lifestyle Scale.
Correlation analyses controlling for age indicated that connection to nature showed significant positive associations with several dimensions of mental health, as well as with all examined domains of healthy lifestyle. Based on the results of the network analysis, connection to nature plays a central, protective role within the network of lifestyle variables, which are indirectly linked to mental health and to lower levels of physical symptoms. Age did not show a direct association with either mental or physical health; however, it was indirectly related to health variables through lifestyle and connection to nature.
Our findings support the complex, systemic health-protective role of connection to the natural environment and highlight the importance of nature-based recreation in promoting well-being in older adulthood.
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