Story highlights A study finds that women who live in greener areas tend to live longer

Women in the greenest U.S. areas had a 12% lower death rate than those in the least green areas

Mental health plays a major role in the relationship between greenness and mortality

(CNN) The trees, shrubs and plants outside your home might offer something more than just pretty scenery. A new study found that living in, or near, green areas can help women live longer and improve their mental health.

They compared risk of death with the amount of plant life and vegetation near the women's homes and found that women living in the greenest areas had a 12% lower death rate than women living in the least green areas. The levels of vegetation were determined using satellite imagery from different seasons and years.

"We were surprised to see that there was a 12 percent lower rate of mortality," said Peter James, study author and research associate at the Harvard Chan School's Department of Epidemiology . "We know already that vegetation can help mitigate the effect of climate change. Our study suggests the potential co-benefit for health."

The team believes the findings would be similar if men were included in the study.

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