Conservation Jobs and Worker Health : Linking Healthy Environments, Healthy Lifestyles, Healthy People
Credit: Wolf and Housley, 2015
“Conservation jobs and service programs serve many good purposes. They help young people learn basic employment skills, provide community services, and help restore key outdoor environments. In this study we wanted to explore potential benefits to corps members in greater depth. In particular, can outdoor jobs promote personal resilience? Stress and anxiety is a public health concern. Tragic or traumatic situations and events may disrupt people’s lives, but are not the most troubling sources of stress. Overall, the corps members entered the work program in quite good health compared to national standards. Their perceived stress was further reduced after a year’s service. One possible outcome of this study might be to introduce outdoor work as a therapeutic activity for young adults, including younger veterans. If so, careful planning of work tasks to align with physical abilities would be important.”
Wolf, K.L., & E. Housley. 2015. Conservation Jobs and Worker Health: Research Results. Seattle, WA: University of Washington, College of the Environment. Journal Article in Press.See Research Summary Flyer
Research Discovery Collection on the Natural Environment, Stress, Mental Health and Equality.
National Historical Park celebrating Jazz and community in New Orleans.
“A holistic, optimistic approach to health supports productive individuals and livable communities where people can thrive. Health is not simply an absence of disease or infirmity, but is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. Wholesome living environments integrate the opportunities of built, social, natural, and (increasingly) online components to help people be at their best. One important aspect of health – mental function and wellness – is not only the outcome of personal and lifestyle situations, but is highly dependent on the natural and built environments that surround a person.”
Authors: Kathleen Wolf and Elizabeth Housley.
Access Online: http://naturesacred.org/natures-impact/literature-review/