RSS Feeds

Earth Science

Space Science

Life Science

Fields of Scientific Study

Nanotechnology

Cancer

Definitions of The Fields of Scientific Study

Urban green spaces lengthen pensioners' lives

November 22, 2002

The availability of nearby parks and tree-lined streets in large, densely populated cities significantly increases the longevity of pensioners, finds a study in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.

From 1992 onwards, the researchers monitored the longevity of over 3,000 people born in 1903, 1908, 1913, and 1918. All the study participants lived in Japan's capital, Tokyo, one of the most densely populated cities in the world. The average density was 13,050 inhabitants per square kilometre in 1997, and the amount of park space per head was 5.18 square metres.

In 1992 the study participants completed questionnaires on their living environment and their monthly expenses. The survey included questions on the proximity of urban green spaces, levels of industrial and traffic noise; the amount of sunlight entering their home; and community facilities, neighbourliness, and crime levels.

Between 1992 to 1997, a total of 897 people died. Not unexpectedly, the oldest and poorest people died sooner. And more hours of sunlight in the home and lower environmental noise levels were both associated with longer lives.

But being able to walk to a public park and/or tree lined streets near to where they lived, and as a consequence, feeling positive about their community, were significantly associated with living longer. They accounted for 50% of the variance in the various factors assessed.

The result held true even after taking into consideration the factors known to affect longevity, such as gender, marital status, income, and age.

The authors point to previous research, which shows that the more physically active an older person is, the longer they tend to live. The availability of a green space within walking distance is likely to promote physical activity outside the home, they say, especially in densely populated urban areas with a high proportion of flats without gardens.

The authors conclude that the provision of public parks and gardens is not just a matter of preference, but is important to the health of elderly people. Planners and developers should ensure that urban green spaces are an integral part of city life, they say.

British Medical Journal (BMJ)

Science Research Departments

	The Everything Kids' Science Experiments Book: Boil Ice, Float Water, Measure Gravity-Challenge the World Around You! (Everything Kids Series) by Tom Robinson (Author) Science has never been so easy - or so much fun! With The Everything Kids' Science Experiments Book, all you need to do is gather a few household items and you can recreate dozens of mind-blowing, kid-tested science experiments. High school science teach Tom Robinson shows you how to expand your scientific horizons - from biology to chemistry to physics to outer space. You'll discover answers to questions like: Is it possible to blow up a balloon without actually blowing into it? What is inside coins? Can a magnet ever be "turned off"? Do toilets always flush in the same direction? Can a swimming pool be cleaned with just the breath of one person? Get ready to enter the laboratory and learn how to conduct cool experiments, understand scientific terms...
	Scientific Explorer's Mind Blowing Science Kit for Young Scientists by Scientific Explorer Mind blowing experiments to delight and educate young scientists! Erupt a color changing volcano. Mix up magic ooze with a mind of its own. Play with sand that never gets wet. Mix safe chemicals and watch colors change before your eyes. You'll amaze yourself and your friends as you explore the science behind these truly remarkable reactions.
	The Science Book: Everything You Need to Know About the World and How It Works (National Geographic) by National Geographic (Author), Marshall Brain (Foreword) A delight for the casual reader, yet so complete and wide-ranging that science buffs and students will welcome it, The Science Book encapsulates centuries of scientific thought in one richly illustrated volume. Natural phenomena, revolutionary inventions, and the most up-to-date investigations are explained in detailed text, and 2,000 vivid illustrationsincluding 3-D graphics and pictogramsmake the information even more accessible and amazing to discover. The Science Book offers both a general overview of topics for the browsing reader and more specific information for those seeking deeper insight into a particular subject. Six major sections, ranging from the universe and planet Earth to biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, encompass everything from microscopic life...
	Scientific Explorer's Disgusting Science - A Kit for Studying the Science of Revolting Things by Scientific Explorer Grow your own friendly germs and fuzzy molds. Mix up a batch of coagulating fake blood. Even make a stinky intestine. learn the science behind unmentionable bodily functions while doing some truly NASTY Experiments. Ages 8+
	The Complete Book of Science, Grades 5-6 by School Specialty Publishing (Author) The Complete Book of Science for grades 5 to 6 teaches children important science skills! Children complete a variety of exercises that help them develop a number of skills in this 352 page workbook. Including a complete answer key this workbook features a user-friendly format perfect for browsing, research, and review. Over 4 million in print! The best-selling Complete Book series offers a full complement of instruction, activities, and information about a single topic or subject area. Containing over 30 titles and encompassing preschool to grade 8 this series helps children succeed in every subject area! ...
	Scientific Explorer's Tasty Science Chemistry in the Kitchen Kit by Scientific Explorer Who knew science could taste so good? With this kit, you’ll whip up cupcakes, cookies, candy, and more—all in the name of science! Learn what makes cakes rise, candy crystallize, and more real chemistry happen in the kitchen. Tasty Science is packed with ingredients, recipes, activity cards, a test tube laboratory, and lots more to explore the science of taste.
	What Is the World Made Of? All About Solids, Liquids, and Gases (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science, Stage 2) by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld (Author), Paul Meisel (Author) Did you ever walk through a wall? Drink a glass of blocks? Have you ever played with a lemonade doll, or put on milk for socks? This latest addition to the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series introduces the youngest readers to an important science concept: the differences between solids, liquids, and gases. Any child who wants to know why he can't walk through a wall will enjoy Kathleen Zoehfeld's simple text and Paul Meisel's playful illustrations.
	Popular Science (1-year) by Bonnier Corporation The 'What's New'" magazine of science and technology. Covering the latest developments in cars, electronics, communications, tools, energy, aviation, science, space exploration and much more.
	The Best of Beakman's World Starring: Paul Zaloom, Mark Ritts, Eliza Schneider, Alanna Ubach, Senta Moses Directed By: Jay Dubin, Robert Heath Also With: Barry Freidmen (Producer), Marijane Miller (Producer), Marijane Miller (Writer), Mark Waxman (Producer), Mark Waxman (Writer), Richard Albrecht (Producer), Richard Albrecht (Writer), Casey Keller (Writer), Jok R. Church (Writer) A nutty scientist takes viewers on a wacky road to discovery along with lester the rat & other laboratory friends mixing fun facts with experiments that can be done at home. Studio: Sony Pictures Home Ent Release Date: 09/07/2004 Run time: 60 minutes Rating: Nr
	Science in Seconds for Kids: Over 100 Experiments You Can Do in Ten Minutes or Less by Jean Potter (Author) Make lightning in your room! Keep paper dry under water! Lose weight by going upstairs! See colors that aren’t there! Experience the magic of science with these quick, easy experiments and activities from Jean Potter. You can complete each activity in ten fun-filled minutes or less. Clear, step-by-step instructions and illustrations help you get it right every time. The projects help you learn about everything from why eggs aren’t round to how submarines surface and submerge. You will find most of the required materials already in your home, backyard, or neighborhood, and you can perform the experiments practically anywhere. The 108 activities in this book cover twelve different subject areas, including air, animals, energy, gravity, magnetism, light, the human body, and much more....