Consistent link between the seaside and better health
15-country study confirms that people living near or visiting the seaside enjoy better health

Date:
May 24, 2023
Source:
University of Vienna
Summary:
Seaside residents and holidaymakers have felt it for centuries,
but scientists have only recently started to investigate possible
health benefits of the coast. Using data from 15 countries, new
research confirms public intuition: Living near, but especially
visiting, the seaside is associated with better health regardless
of country or personal income.


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FULL STORY ========================================================================== Seaside residents and holidaymakers have felt it for centuries, but
scientists have only recently started to investigate possible health
benefits of the coast. Using data from 15 countries, new research led by
Sandra Geiger from the Environmental Psychology Group at the University of Vienna confirms public intuition: Living near, but especially visiting,
the seaside is associated with better health regardless of country or
personal income.

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. 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, Oceans, and Public
Health In Europe led by Professor Lora Fleming, Geiger and colleagues
from the Universities of Vienna, Exeter, and Birmingham, as well as
Seascape Belgium and the European Marine Board, surveyed over 15,000 participants across 14 European countries (Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia,
France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom) and Australia about their opinions
on various marine-related activities and their own health.

The findings, published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment, surprised the team. Lead author Geiger said: "It is striking to see
such consistent and clear patterns across all 15 countries. We also
now demonstrate 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. Dr. Paula Kellett from the European Marine Board said:
"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." But what does this mean for landlocked residents like Geiger
and her colleagues in Austria? "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."
* RELATED_TOPICS
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========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by University_of_Vienna. Note: Content
may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Sandra J. Geiger, Mathew P. White, Sophie M. C. Davison, Lei Zhang,
Oonagh McMeel, Paula Kellett, Lora E. Fleming. Coastal proximity
and visits are associated with better health but may not buffer
health inequalities. Communications Earth & Environment, 2023; 4
(1) DOI: 10.1038/s43247-023-00818-1 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/05/230524181839.htm

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