What are the guidelines for designing landscapes that promote healthy living?

1. Incorporate greenspaces: Incorporating greenspaces like parks and gardens encourages physical activity and improves mental health. People are more likely to engage in physical activities like walking, playing sports, and cycling when there are greenspaces nearby.

2. Plan for walkability: Walkability is essential for promoting physical activity. Design landscapes that encourage walking by including pedestrian-friendly pathways, crosswalks, and safe sidewalks.

3. Create gathering spaces: Creating gathering spaces like plazas, community gardens, and outdoor seating areas encourages social interaction, which is an essential aspect of mental and emotional wellbeing.

4. Encourage outdoor activities: Landscapes that promote outdoor activities like sports fields, playgrounds, and walking trails encourage physical activity, which is essential for promoting good health.

5. Provide shade: Providing shade through trees, shade shelters, or awnings encourages people to spend more time outdoors, contributing to their physical and mental wellbeing.

6. Use sustainable practices: Incorporating sustainable practices like rain gardens, green roofs, and permeable surfaces improve the health of the environment, which in turn promotes healthier living.

7. Consider the needs of all ages and abilities: Design landscapes that meet the needs of all ages and abilities. This includes designing accessible pathways, easy-to-use playground equipment, and seating areas for people of all ages.

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