study summary / 015

Does everyday green exposure relate to working memory?

GPS and repeated assessments connect green exposure with momentary memory performance in older adults.

Daily mobility changes the environments we encounter. Luo and colleagues studied these changing exposures alongside working memory and reported stressors.

The study

123 adults aged 65-89 carried GPS devices and completed smartphone assessments over two weeks. Working memory and stressors were assessed every two hours, seven times per day, and analyzed with multilevel models.

The findings

Within individuals, more green exposure than usual during the preceding two hours was associated with better-than-usual working memory when stressors were reported, relative to moments without stressors. Between individuals, higher overall green exposure was also associated with better working memory.

Architectural interpretation

Everyday routes can provide a more detailed exposure measure than greenery around the home alone. The findings motivate research on older adults’ access to green environments during daily activities.

Limits and conclusion

Exposure was observed, not assigned, so activities, movement and personal circumstances may affect the association. This is a context-dependent, momentary finding, not evidence of lasting cognitive improvement or brain-structure change. The summary is based on the published abstract.