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Natural fit

can green space and biodiversity increase levels of physical activity?

This report looks at the evidence to support the theory that the availability of safe, accessible natural green space encourages the uptake and continuation of physical activity. It also looks at the rol of biodiversity in enhancing this relationship. Physical inactivity is a major preventable health risk, which affects about 60 per cent of the population, and correcting this is a public health priority. It is now recognised that physical inactivity is adding a catastrophic burden to society, leading directly to chronic disease and lack of independence in the elderly. The cost of physical inactivity to the economy is calculated tot be 8.2 billion pounds. There is evidence that green space in an urban environment can improve life expectancy and decrease health complaints. Local access to safe natural green space can help individuals sustain levels of physical activity. Biodiversity can also have a direct value for physical activity. One measure of the attractiveness of a park is the amount of nature it can offer to the visitor.

Uitgever(s): Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Faculty of Public Health,

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Natural fit : can green space and biodiversity increase levels of physical activity?

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William Bird

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gezondheid
gezondheidseffecten
groenvoorziening
lichaamsbeweging
natuur
ruimtelijke ordening

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