The benefits of living in close proximity to a major body of water, such as the Gulf of Mexico, are practically unlimited. It is easy to fantasize about the pleasures of life in a beachfront apartment, but how many people actually know that proximity to a body of water has positive effects on health? Positive effects on both mental and physical health have been linked to proximity to bodies of water. Breathing in the clean, crisp ocean air and listening to the gentle lapping of the waves can be very relaxing. To top it all off, swimming in the ocean is an excellent method of physical exercise. Is more proof required? Read on to discover the many senior health benefits of living in active senior living homes in Victoria County by the water.
Lowers Stress
Exposure to water has been proven to alleviate stress and even lower blood pressure, so there is another reason to consider a home near the ocean. This is because people find the views, sounds, and fragrances of the ocean and other bodies of water to be incredibly relaxing. Researchers have found that simply viewing images of the water can have a calming effect on the heart and blood vessels.
Have you ever driven to a beach and, upon stepping foot on the sand, inhaled the salty sea air and felt your muscles relax? That is actually true for many people. Scientists have discovered an extra electron in the air near a major body of water like the ocean or the Gulf of Mexico referred to as negative ion air which can alleviate the depressive symptoms of seasonal affective disorder.
Lesser Pollution
Living near the ocean or another body of water has been linked to a lower risk of lung disease and cancer due to the lower levels of air pollution. Water acts as a natural filter, removing harmful pollutants from the air that would otherwise be inhaled in many urban areas.
Also, development is hampered by proximity to water. Continual oceanic expansion poses a grave risk to landlocked regions. Although there have been attempts to build on top of water, the ocean typically inhibits excessive development.
It has also been hypothesized that oceanside neighborhoods contain more oxygen. More than half of the oxygen on Earth is found in the water, and this is a known fact. It makes sense that ocean-dwellers would breathe easier due to the abundance of fresh air.
Beautiful Sunshine
More sunshine is a perk of oceanside living. Lower rates of sadness and higher disease resistance have been linked to proximity to the equator, where people spend more time outdoors soaking up vitamin D from the sun. Experts believe that getting some sun safely each week can boost serotonin and, in turn, enhance mood. This is beneficial for the elderly who needs all the boosters they can get to maintain better overall well-being, especially their mental health.
