Although the "golden years" are supposed to be a reward for decades of hard work, many older Americans aren't enjoying their retirement because they suffer from various physical and mental challenges. But fortunately, more and more of today's seniors are finding how spending time at the beach is improving 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. Offers a Good Workout
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. What's more, exercising in water is gentler on joints, making it a safer and better workout 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, recalling the sound of water at the beach can also help you fall asleep.
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 15.
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. Expands 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
- A study in England involving 48 million participants revealed that the closer that people lived near a coastline, the better health they enjoyed.
- Another perk for coastal living is that you're able to get fresh seafood. Besides tasting better, fresh seafood is healthier for you as it's packed with healthier nutrients than fish that's been frozen before consumed.
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 Meyers 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.
