Research: A Greener Childhood Associated with a Happier Adulthood
Outdoor education, time in nature and the impact of staying indoors has come under new scrutiny in the past two years. With so much more time spent on screens and technology, adults and children alike are gaining a new understanding that time spent outside may be even more valuable than we already knew.
In Waldorf Education, nature and the world around us is a key, core curriculum focus. New research from Aarhus University in Denmark brings new clarity to why and just how important time spent in nature is, not only to short term health but the long term success and wellbeing of our students and children.
As outlined in the full article from NPR, “Researchers from Aarhus University in Denmark found that growing up near vegetation is associated with an up to 55 percent lower risk of mental health disorders in adulthood. Kristine Engemann, the biologist who led the study, combined decades of satellite imagery with extensive health and demographic data of the Danish population to investigate the mental health effects of growing up near greenery.”
While past smaller studies have hinted that “lack of green space increases the risk of mood disorders and schizophrenia and can even affect cognitive development” the scale of the new research from Aarhus University brings new clarity to the true impact of nature on child development, health and wellbeing.
“If we were talking about a new medicine that had this kind of effect the buzz would be huge, but these results suggest that being able to go for a walk in the park as a kid is just as impactful.”
The full study and details on the scope of the research are well worth a read as it brings a new depth of understanding to just how important and impactful green, wild and natural spaces are for the future of our students. The full story can be read here.
In Waldorf Education, time spent outdoors is at the forefront of our curriculum across all grade levels. In Early Childhood this takes the shape of daily time spent outdoors or our Forest Kindergarten Program who calls the outdoors their home base! In the grades, students have two outdoor recess times, rain or shine not to mention the countless excursions, activities and classes that take place daily outside on our 13-acre campus along the banks of the Roaring Fork River. From painting class on the banks of the Roaring Fork river to nature journaling in the wetlands or cross country skiing in our field, the opportunities are endless when time in nature is a priority.
In preparing our students for the journey ahead, we believe nurturing capacities for balance, mental health and overall wellbeing are critical tools. Explore our programs to learn more as we all consider, what will our students need to succeed in the world of the future?
