MAIL ONLINE: As coronavirus forces lockdowns, parks lift spirits in cities

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Research published earlier this year by Britain's University of Manchester showed that older people's health is linked to the quantity, quality and proximity of local green and blue spaces.

Such spaces are "critical determinants of health and wellbeing", said Sarah Lindley, a professor of geography at the university's School of Environment, Education and Development.

"Urban green spaces reduce environmental stresses and improve recovery. They actively promote health as they have better general air quality, better temperature regulation and lower noise levels," she said.

"In the current crisis situation, social functions need to be greatly reduced, but the intrinsic value of these places - and many of their beneficial functions - still remain."

But green spaces are not equally distributed or easily accessible by all, and wealthier people may have more options when choosing greener places to live, Lindley said.