Well-being for city residents by increasing the diversity of yards
Exposure to nature, i.e. walking in the forest or nature, has been scientifically proven to strengthen the human defense system, help recover from stress, and improve mood when everyday worries are forgotten. Urbanization and biodiversity loss have brought with them new diseases and a weakening of natural resistance.
With urbanization, serious disorders of the immune system, such as various allergies, asthma, and type 1 diabetes, have increased. The main reasons for this are the increase in the level of hygiene and the narrowing of biological diversity of the environment. This has reduced the exposure to natural microbes that promote the natural development of the immune system.
Previous studies suggest that everyday exposure to the diverse nature’s microbial community is linked to good health and well-being.
What is studied and why
In this research, the aim is to increase the biological diversity of city residents’ backyards in accordance with the latest research data to promote health and well-being. The purpose of the research is to find out whether the versatile exposure to nature obtained from the backyard can influence perceived well-being, the concentration of the stress hormone, or cortisol, and the body’s immune system and microbial community.
Daycare research (Vahvistu)
In this national research on the rewilding of daycare yards, we are studying how rewilding of yards contributes to children’s wellbeing and whether rewilding can prevent the development of immune defence disorders. The study is being carried out by the University of Eastern Finland and the Tampere University.
Urban yard rewilding study
The study investigates how increasing biodiversity in home yards affects the microbiota of both the yard and the resident, as well as perceived well-being. The study also examines environmental factors using vegetation mapping and satellite data.
Housing unit study
The study investigates how increasing biodiversity in the outdoor areas of housing units affects the microbiota of both the yard and the residents, as well as perceived well-being. The study also examines environmental factors using vegetation mapping and satellite data.
