Psychological effects of mountainous environments over the life span and potential implications for healthy ageing: A narrative review.

Abstract

Background: Healthy ageing is defined as a process of preserving functional capacity to enable well-being in old age. This concept includes both a physical and a psychological component, which can be positively influenced by spending time in nature and being physically active. Mountainous areas offer diverse opportunities to be physically active in a natural environment. However, little research is available on the psychological effects of mountain environments and mountain sports, particularly in relation to healthy ageing.

Summary: We analyze the extent to which the interactions of physical activity, nature exposure, and specific characteristics of mountainous regions including hypoxia may influence mental health, based on current research, and discuss the relevance of these factors individually and in combination for healthy ageing.

Key messages: In general, the benefits reported from spending time in nature or physical activity seem to be transferable to mountainous regions and/or mountain sports. The available research primarily points to positive acute and longer-term psychological (and sometimes therapeutic) effects of exposure to mountainous regions and mountain sports performed in moderate altitude on various mental health parameters, such as well-being, anxiety, and depression, which could in turn promote healthy ageing. In contrast, staying at very high or extremely high altitudes seems to be associated with negative effects on mental health. Overall, further research is needed to draw more reliable conclusions.