City & Local

Well Being

5 articles

A diverse group of people of different ages enjoying a lively outdoor community event, laughing and connecting with each other.
Community

Local events combat loneliness and build real community connections.

Loneliness, a silent epidemic, can increase anxiety and depressive symptoms, yet many overlook the simple, powerful antidote found in local community events.

Sophie Nguyen·September 4, 2026
Diverse volunteers working together in a community garden, fostering happiness and improving local health.
Community

Local volunteering slashes mortality rates, boosting community health.

Weekly volunteers report a 16% increase in feeling 'very happy,' a personal dividend often overlooked in the pursuit of community good.

Aaron Blake·August 29, 2026
Diverse community members actively participating in a local initiative, planting and gardening together in a bright, outdoor setting.
Community

What Are Local Community Initiatives and How to Get Involved?

Across 35 studies reviewing 29 mental health and well-being initiatives globally, programs with high community engagement consistently reported positive outcomes.

Sophie Nguyen·July 19, 2026
Diverse group of people of all ages working together happily in a vibrant, sunny community garden in a city.
Neighborhoods

How to Start and Manage a Community Garden in 2026

Community gardeners report significantly higher levels of subjective well-being compared to those who tend individual home gardens, suggesting a unique boost to happiness.

Derek Molina·May 14, 2026
A diverse group of people enjoying a sunny day in a vibrant, green urban park with city buildings in the background.
Neighborhoods

What are urban green spaces and why do they matter for health?

Just 8% of countries worldwide control 80% of the planet's urban park area, totaling approximately 10,120.

Derek Molina·May 7, 2026