Ten minutes in nature could improve lives of 54 percent of Aussies with disability

Key points:

• Approximately 48 percent of Australians with severe or profound disability report feeling anxious, nervous or tense, as per recent data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
• Researchers have identified that spending at least 10 minutes in urban nature daily can improve mental health outcomes
• Urban nature environments can include gardens, community parks and wetlands

Approximately 48 percent of Australians with severe or profound disability reported feeling anxious, nervous or tense, as per recent data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

Researchers have identified the positive impact of spending at least ten minutes outside each day to increase mental health outcomes. 

Natural environments with water such as lakes and oceans and garden settings were identified as the most beneficial areas to improve mental health, but spending a short period of time outside in any green environment proved to be effective.

Researchers identified that spending ‘10 minutes in urban nature is far less intimidating, expensive and time-consuming for people who do not have the time, resources, interest, community support or equipment to venture into the wilderness for days or weeks.’

Urban nature refers to natural environments that exist in more built-up areas such as cities and metropolitan areas. 

Types of green spaces can include community woodlands, urban parks and gardens, wetlands and green roofs, which are generally found in cities. Green roofs are generally partially covered in vegetation, allowing city dwellers to benefit from greenery in an otherwise industrial or built-up area.

Approximately 28 percent of Australians with disability experience ‘high or very high levels of psychological distress,’ compared to fewer than seven percent of peers without disability, according to the latest data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 

Professor Joanna Bettmann, lead author of the study, suggested that while health professionals are aware of the benefits of treatments such as therapy, thinking more about incorporating nature into mental health care could be beneficial.

“We know nature plays an important role in human health but behavioural health and health care providers often neglect to think about it as an intervention,” she said.

Increased mental health concerns are associated with functional limitations, increased use of health services and chronic diseases. 

Ms Bettmann highlighted the importance of maintaining green spaces in our communities to improve mental health care.

“All of these different types of outdoor spaces delivered positive results, which underscores the importance of preserving green spaces in our natural and built environments,” said Ms Bettmann.

While researchers suggest the benefit of spending more time in nature to improve mental health, this should be incorporated with traditional treatments such as therapy or medication if required. 

Approximately 54 percent of Australians with disability experience at least a moderate level of psychological distress, as per recent data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

However, other researchers suggest that barriers such as unsuitable park pathways and differing inclines can make it difficult for some people with disability to access public parks and other spaces e.g. when using wheelchairs. 

The Australian Government is making public spaces more accessible for people with disability by incorporating more visual cues, signage and other features such as audible cues. 

With new reforms for the Disability Transport Standards recently announced by the government, the improvements are expected to increase the accessibility of public transport for people with disability.

To ensure smooth journeys on all public transport options, the changes will also include improvement of onboard information through the use of audio announcements and signage.

Read more about how public transport is becoming more accessible for people with disability in this article.

Approximately 5.5 million Australians have disability, according to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. 

If you’re struggling with your mental health, support is available now. Lifeline is a free service available through phone, text or online chat. 

Additionally, headspace is a free service through phone, email or online chat which can be accessed by adolescents and young adults between 12 – 25.

How often do you manage to get outside to spend time in nature?

Let the team at Talking Disability know on social media. 

For more information related to disability news, subscribe to the FREE weekly newsletter. 

Relevant content:

Sixty-five percent of Aussie women with disability are victims of violence

Over 333,000 NDIS participants could be affected by NDIS ‘price freezes’

More Australians live with disability: is the NDIS at risk?