Although retirement is meant to be a time to enjoy life, many older Americans face physical and mental challenges that make it difficult. Fortunately, more seniors are discovering that spending time at the beach can boost their health and well-being
Here are six reasons why the beach is a great place for seniors, along with some considerations.
1. Helps Relieve Stress
Probably, the top reason why the beach is great for seniors is that it's an ideal way to relieve stress. As soon as your feet hit the sand, and you walk toward the ocean, you can start to unwind.
Just think about how hearing ocean waves crash helps you relax. As serotonin, which is the key relaxation hormone, is released you begin to feel calmer. Furthermore, the beach provides light therapy, which is often used by therapists for treating patients with depression and anxiety issues.
2. Great for exercise
While exercise is crucial for all walks of life, it's even more important for older people. Besides getting a good workout while swimming in the ocean, you can get a lot of exercise just by walking in the water.
Consider how walking on sand can be more challenging than walking on a stable or flat surface. By walking in the ocean or on the beach you can burn more calories. Exercising in water is also gentler on the joints, making it a safer and more comfortable option for seniors with arthritis.
3. Improves Sleep
If you have sleep problems, you're not alone since many senior citizens struggle with insomnia. In fact, a National Sleep Foundation poll shows that 39 percent of people 65 and older reported waking up several times during the night as opposed to 24 percent of people in the 18-24 age group.
After spending only a few hours at a beach, many older people have discovered they sleep better. The reason is that the beach can help in relieving the primary factors for poor sleep, which include high stress levels, hormonal imbalances and not being physically fatigued. Moreover, many people find that calming sounds like ocean waves can help them relax and fall asleep more easily.
4. Provides Vitamin D
Most seniors are deficient in Vitamin D, so their doctors prescribe Vitamin D supplements, which is essential for strong bones, maintaining the right levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood and controlling blood pressure.
In addition to taking Vitamin D supplements, you can also soak up Vitamin D from the sun, which is a huge source of this important vitamin. Just be sure to protect your skin with sunscreen that has an SPF (sunscreen protective factor) of at least 30.
5. Improves Skin and Reduces Joint Pain
When you regularly go to the beach, you won't need to wear a face mask at night for beauty purposes.
Consider that seawater minerals can help in restoring elasticity in the skin, which can make your skin look and feel healthier and younger than your actual age. Additionally, the minerals in saltwater are beneficial for reducing inflammation, which is beneficial if you have arthritis.
6. Boosts Your Social Life
Too often, seniors struggle with loneliness, usually from losing a spouse or other family members who have died or moved away from them. Loneliness affects not only your mental and emotional well-being but also your physical health.
Sadly, lonely people are more prone to develop dementia, depression and heart disease. One of the best ways to improve your social life is by going to the beach. Here you can meet your friends as well as make new ones.
Other Considerations
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Recent research shows that living near the coast can help people live longer. Those who live within about 30 miles of the ocean tend to have lifespans roughly a year longer than those living inland.
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Experts suggest that cleaner air, milder temperatures, and more opportunities for outdoor activity contribute to these health benefits. Being near the water also often means access to fresh, nutrient-rich seafood, which is healthier than frozen options.
What's even better than going to the beach is living on or near the beach. Are you looking for an exceptional place to retire? Then, look no further than Grandview at Bay Beach. Located in beautiful Southwest Florida and nestled on the tip of Fort Myers Beach, Grandview is only a few minutes from nearby Naples. Here you can enjoy everything from a quiet beach setting to sun-kissed ocean swimming and much more.
Please contact us for more information on how you can experience a luxurious waterfront lifestyle.
