One of the most promising cities for 2020 is the so-called 15-minute city. Imagined by the former mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, this urban development could revolutionize not only our general wellbeing but also our mental health and resilience.
The concept of a 15-minute city is that all essential services should be located within a fifteen-minute walk of each resident. This includes public transportation, supermarkets, banks, pharmacies, parks, etc. Essentially, it provides all sorts of conveniences to residents in one practical location, thus allowing them to live their lives more easily and efficiently.
A great deal of research , however, has shown that easy access to a variety of community services is associated with better mental health outcomes. For example, one recent study found that people who lived in such cities were less likely to suffer from sleep disturbances, anxiety and depression. The ability to connect with others in their community, have their needs met without undue stress and have access to helpful resources are all essential when it comes to good mental health.
It follows then that a 15-minute city could be beneficial for our mental well-being beyond just being convenient. Communities that have easy access to complete amenities can help us stay connected and involved in our communities. Having plenty of places to go and things to do encourages socialization and a sense of community. This can build meaningful relationships with friends and neighbors and boost self-esteem. It can also increase physical activity, exposing us to nature and the environment which further enhances our mental health.
For too long now, little has been done on the whole to improve our mental health. With a 15-minute city, we could get back on track and begin to make headway on solving some of the biggest issues facing our society. These developments provide us with an excellent opportunity to (re)gain control of our lives, embrace a healthy lifestyle and improve our overall emotional and psychological state.
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