A recent study led by Annie Krakower at the University of Maryland has revealed that access to neighborhood green spaces and walkability can have a significant impact on the health outcomes of residents. The research analyzed data on walkability and aesthetics in conjunction with health information to better understand how the built environment influences health among siblings and twins.
By examining records from nearly 2 million individuals, including 1 million siblings and 14,000 identical and fraternal twins, the research team discovered that positive built environment characteristics were associated with a 15-20% reduction in rates of obesity and diabetes. Specifically, green streets, sidewalks, crosswalks, and mixed-use development were found to encourage more physical activity among residents.
The findings suggest that factors such as income inequality and uneven access to desirable neighborhoods, in addition to modifiable built environment features, play a role in shaping health outcomes. Future studies will delve into how other influences, such as gentrification and segregation, impact population health in neighborhoods, with the researchers planning to analyze data from Washington, D.C. to gain further insight into these dynamics.