People Living Close to the Seaside Enjoy Better Health

Living near or visiting the sea coast can have substantial effects on health, regardless of country or personal income. This finding published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment, is found using new research led by researchers at the University of Vienna across 15 countries. The idea that being near the ocean may boost health is not new. As early as 1660, doctors in England began promoting sea bathing and coastal walks for health benefits (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Coastal proximity and visits are associated with better health but may not buffer health inequalities

Go to source). By the mid-1800s, taking 'the waters' or 'sea air' were widely promoted as health treatment among wealthier European citizens.

Technological advances in medicine in the early 20th century led to the decline in such practices, which are only recently gaining popularity again among the medical profession. As part of the EU-funded Horizon 2020 project Seas, scientists have started to investigate possible health benefits of the coast.

Does Living by the Coast Improve Health and Wellbeing?

They surveyed over 15,000 participants across 14 European countries (Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom) and Australia about their opinions on various marine-related activities and their health (2^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Residential exposure to visible blue space (but not green space) associated with lower psychological distress in a capital city

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There was a striking consistent and clear pattern across all 15 countries. They demonstrated that everybody seems to benefit from being near the seaside, not just the wealthy. Although the associations are relatively small, living near and especially visiting the coast can still have substantial effects on population health.

Understanding the potential benefits of coastal access for all members of society is key for policymaking. The substantial health benefits of equal and sustainable access to our coasts should be considered when countries develop their marine spatial plans, consider future housing needs, and develop public transportation links (3^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Effect of exposure to natural environment on health inequalities: an observational population study

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Austrians and other central Europeans visit the coasts in their millions during the summer months, so they too get to experience some of these benefits. Besides, we are also starting to appreciate the similar health benefits offered by inland waters such as lakes and natural pools.

References:

1. Coastal proximity and visits are associated with better health but may not buffer health inequalities - (https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-023-00818-1)
2. Residential exposure to visible blue space (but not green space) associated with lower psychological distress in a capital city - (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1353829216300119?via%3Dihub)
3. Effect of exposure to natural environment on health inequalities: an observational population study - (https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(08)61689-X/fulltext)

Source-Eurekalert