Green, Blue, Brown, Gray? The Cognitive Benefits of Natural Environments Among Older Mexican Americans

ObjectivesWhile studies have linked nature exposure to better cognitive health, little is known about the specific types or amounts needed for health benefits. Many studies regarding the health benefits of nature lack racially and ethnically diverse aging populations and have small sample sizes, limiting their generalizability. This study investigated the relationship between land cover types and cognitive function in older Mexican American adults from Wave 5 (2004-2005) of the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiological Study of the Elderly (EPESE) while controlling for individual and area-level covariates.MethodsThe analytic sample includes 2,069 participants (>98% of Mexican origin) aged 75 and older residing in 415 census tracts. Latent profile analysis of six land cover classifications at the census tract level identified four types: Dense Developed, Gray mix, Open Space/Agricultural, and Green-mix. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Key covariates include individual-level factors (e.g., age, education, and gender) and area-level factors (poverty, unemployment, and home ownership). Linear mixed-effect models adjusted for covariates were used to examine associations between land cover types and cognitive function.ResultsCompared to other land types, individuals in greener mixed areas had better cognitive function, especially among women.DiscussionFindings suggest that environments with a mix of natural and built features may enhance cognitive health in older Mexican American women. Future research should explore how specific environmental characteristics contribute to cognitive resilience in this population.