Nature exposure and telomere length: A pathway to slower ageing and improved longevity

Modern urban lifestyles often limit interactions with natural environments, contributing to negative health outcomes, including accelerated biological ageing. This review explores the relationship between nature exposure and telomere length, a critical biomarker of cellular ageing, and evaluates nature-based interventions such as greenspace exposure, forest bathing, and gardening in promoting longevity and well-being. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, analyzing observational, experimental, and meta-analytic studies. Findings indicate a strong association between regular engagement with natural environments and improved physical and mental health. Exposure to nature is linked to lower stress levels, enhanced cognitive function, and improved cardiovascular health, which collectively contribute to slower biological ageing. Furthermore, individuals residing in greener areas exhibit longer telomere lengths and reduced mortality rates, particularly from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Mechanistically, the benefits of nature exposure are attributed to reductions in oxidative stress, inflammation, and chronic stress, all of which are known contributors to telomere shortening. Despite these promising outcomes, several limitations exist. The predominance of observational studies makes it difficult to establish causality, and the exclusion of non-English studies may limit the generalizability of findings. Additionally, variations in study designs, differences in measuring nature exposure, and the influence of lifestyle factors present challenges in drawing definitive conclusions. This review highlights the need for integrating nature-based interventions into public health policies to promote healthy ageing and disease prevention. Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies and mechanistic investigations to better understand the biological pathways linking natural exposure to telomere preservation. By advocating for urban green spaces and nature-focused lifestyle modifications, this study underscores the potential of nature as a fundamental element of preventive healthcare and longevity enhancement.