Master Plan Why Parks Maek Life Better

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Conejo Recreation & Park District Master Plan Section 11 Proximity to public parks and tree -lined streets appeared to have the greatest impact on the length of the lives of study participants, even when taking into account factors known to affect longevity, such as gender, marital status, income and age. (American Planning Association, 2003) Children at high risk of obesity who live near parks and recreation areas are apt to participate in walking activities more often, researchers reported at the American Heart Association's Conference on Nutrition, Physical Activity and Metabolism. "...areas for physical activity can play an important role in combating the rise of obesity rates by making it easier to get daily exercise." "In future urban improvements, consideration must be given to parks, outdoor recreational areas and walking or cycling infrastructure in order to increase active living.", (ScienceDaily, Mar. 18, 2009) On average, every hour you spend exercising increases your life expectancy by two hours. People in a regular exercise program at age 75 have a lower death rate over the next few years than do similar groups of sedentary people. (ARC, 2000) Mental HealthBenefits a. Reduces Depression • Exercise leads to enhanced tranquility, and more relief of anxiety and depression, when it occurs in natural settings, like parks rather than along urban streets. (American Planning Association, 2003) • Participating in recreation activities provides Californians with experiences they look forward to and enjoy. Recreation activities also reduce alienation, loneliness and isolation, all of which contribute to depression. Recreation provides a social atmosphere that draws people out of their houses and into community life. Depressed patients who were not medicated were less likely to relapse if they ,started exercising, compared to those who only took antidepressants. (Gorman, 2002,Jan. 21) Mentally recalling outdoor recreation activities increases positive moods which are linked to improved self-esteem, lowered depression and reduced suicide rates. (Tarrant et al., 1994) b. Relieves Stress Participation in leisure activities provides resources that assist people either to resist the onset of stress reactions or cope with stress before stress has an impact on health. (Coleman and Iso -Ahola, 2001) Window views of nature have been shown to increase positive feelings, lower stress levels and improve the physical condition of both hospital patients and office employees. (Tarrant, 1996) 11-15 June 2, 2011