Introduction: Can Nature Protect Brain Health?
As we age, maintaining mental well-being and cognitive resilience becomes increasingly important. Older adults are at a higher risk of experiencing cognitive decline, loneliness, and mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. With the global population aging, understanding how to support brain health and emotional well-being in later life is a public health priority. Research suggests that access to natural environments can play a significant role in promoting cognitive function, reducing stress, and fostering social connections—factors that are critical for healthy aging.
The RESONATE project brings together experts from various fields to explore how nature can enhance resilience and well-being. Case Study 2 focuses on understanding whether living near nature—or actively engaging with natural environments—can promote better cognitive function and reduce loneliness in older adults. Specifically, we are investigating how access to green and blue spaces might help individuals cope with stressful life events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic or personal challenges like job loss and divorce. By analysing both existing data and newly collected survey responses, we aim to provide valuable insights that could inform public health and urban planning policies.
What We’re Studying: Nature, Stress, and Cognitive Resilience
Our study is divided into two key parts:
1. Analysing Existing Data on Mental Health and Nature Exposure
The first phase involves analysing data from the PROTECT study, which tracks mental health changes over time. We are examining whether people who lived in greener environments during the COVID-19 pandemic exhibited stronger mental resilience compared to those with less access to nature. By linking mental health trends with environmental data, we aim to understand how natural surroundings may have buffered the psychological impact of the pandemic.
2. Surveying People Who Have Experienced Stressful Life Events
In the second phase, we are gathering new data through an online survey targeting individuals who have recently faced significant life stressors, such as job loss or divorce. The survey collects information on their engagement with nature, mental well-being, and resilience factors such as social support and community cohesion. This will help us determine whether voluntary interaction with natural environments can mitigate the negative impacts of stress.
Progress So Far: Data Collection and Early Insights
Ethical approval for the study was granted in May 2024. Following this, a bespoke survey developed by researchers at the University of Exeter, United Kingdom, was piloted and is now being integrated into the PROTECT platform. The survey was officially launched in late January 2025 and at the time of writing had already recruited over 100 participants. In parallel, work is ongoing to analyse secondary datasets and merge them with environmental data to support our study’s goals.
Why This Research Matters: Implications for Public Health and Urban Planning
Our findings could have far-reaching implications. If access to nature is shown to strengthen cognitive resilience and mental well-being, this could influence urban planning policies, encouraging the creation of more green spaces in cities. Additionally, public health initiatives could leverage nature-based interventions to support aging populations, potentially reducing the burden of mental health issues associated with stress and social isolation.
Looking Ahead: Next Steps in the Study
In the coming months, we will continue analysing both the secondary and newly collected data, with key objectives including:
- Examining how nature exposure influences cognitive resilience and mental health over time.
- Identifying the role of social support and community cohesion in enhancing resilience.
- Sharing findings with policymakers, healthcare professionals, and urban planners to inform future interventions.
The RESONATE project is dedicated to uncovering practical, evidence-based solutions for improving mental health through nature. By deepening our understanding of these connections, we hope to inspire strategies that integrate natural environments into daily life, ultimately fostering stronger, healthier communities.
