Đề thi VSTEP Reading B2 — Urban Green Spaces and Mental Health

Urban green spaces — such as parks, community gardens, and tree-lined streets — are increasingly recognised for their contribution to public mental health. Research conducted in several European cities has found that residents who live within walking distance of green areas report lower levels of stress and anxiety than those in densely built neighbourhoods. The benefits appear to work through multiple channels. Exposure to nature reduces cortisol, a hormone linked to stress, while physical activity in green environments — even a short walk — improves mood. Social interaction also plays a role: parks serve as informal meeting places that help reduce feelings of isolation, particularly among elderly residents. City planners are beginning to take these findings seriously. Some municipalities now require new residential developments to include a minimum percentage of green space. While critics argue that such measures increase housing costs, supporters maintain that the long-term savings in healthcare and improved quality of life justify the investment.