A controlled study of short term tea forest environmental health activities to improve the physical and mental health of middle and older adults

The health-promoting effects of forest environments are increasingly acknowledged; however, the specific impact of tea forest environments on human health remains underexplored. This study aimed to assess the influence of health-promoting activities conducted in low-shrub tea forests on the physical and psychological well-being of middle-aged and elderly individuals. Environmental parameters-including temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, negative air ion (NAI) concentration, noise levels, air pollutant concentrations, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)-were monitored in both tea forest and urban settings. Participants with sub-health conditions were recruited and assigned to either an experimental group (EG) or a control group (CG). Physiological and psychological health indicators were measured before and after the intervention. Compared to the urban environment, the tea forest exhibited higher levels of NAI concentration, environmental tranquility, air quality, human thermal comfort, and beneficial VOCs. Following the recreational intervention, the EG demonstrated significant improvements in multiple health indicators relative to the CG, including reductions in blood pressure and pulse rate, increased peripheral oxygen saturation, enhanced emotional states, and improved sleep quality. Furthermore, the EG exhibited immunological changes, such as a reduction in suppressor T lymphocytes and an elevated CD3 + CD4+/CD3 + CD8 + T cell ratio. These findings underscore the superior environmental quality of tea forests and their efficacy in enhancing physical and mental health among middle-aged and elderly populations, offering valuable scientific support for the integrated development and utilization of tea forest resources.