Can Nature Make Us Feel Younger? Evidence from Daily Diary and Experience Sampling Studies
Abstract
Numerous studies have shown that nature exposure enhances vitality and well-being. The present paper examines whether nature can make us feel younger. To answer this question a daily diary study (Study 1) and an experience sampling study (Study 2) have been conducted. The results of Study 1 (N = 117; M = 62.97, SD = 9.16 years; age-range = 50–85; 55% female) showed that participants reported a younger subjective age on days when they spent more time in nature compared with their own average over two weeks, even after controlling for subjective health and education. Study 2 (N = 103; M = 47.51, SD = 17.78 years; age-range = 19–79; 56% female) replicated this finding when controlling for covariates and showed that the association between momentary nature exposure and subjective age was stronger among middle-aged and older adults. The results indicate that the advantages of nature exposure are not limited to individuals who habitually spend more time in nature but arise when people encounter more nature than is typical for them. These findings underscore the potential of everyday interventions that increase contact with natural environments – especially among middle-aged and older adults – to promote a younger subjective age.
Citation Information
@article{selmakorlat2026,
title={Can Nature Make Us Feel Younger? Evidence from Daily Diary and Experience Sampling Studies},
author={Selma Korlat and Gizem Hülür and Iris Wahring and Christina Ristl and Jana Nikitin},
journal={Scientific Reports},
year={2026},
doi={https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8842216/v1}
}
SinoXiv