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Photo: Getty Images / Trevor Williams
There’s nothing more clarifying than looking out over the ocean. And no, we’re not just talking about how the salt water seems to magically clear up ourskinandsinuses. Something about vast water makes us feel small and puts things into perspective. No wonder people flock to the nearest body of water at the sight of a long weekend—it’s literally a part of who we are.
As urbanization grows, so do public health concerns. People living in highlypopulated areasare more susceptible to chronic diseases (due to lack of physical activity) and poor mental health. Not to mention, urban sprawl also has nasty effects on the climate, including higher air pollution and lack of access to healthy drinking water. BlueHealth believes implementingblue infrastructure(accessible water elements) in city planning could be a solution to this formidable problem. Blue space in urban areas can help provide more opportunities for social connection and physical activity which, in turn, helps reduce stress and negative health implications. The project also providesresourcesto help developers implement blue space into city planning and join in moving urbanization toward a healthier future.
Being near water can help increase overalllife satisfaction, and it might even help us live longer too. You may have heard of places that are considered “blue zones”—Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece, and Loma Linda, California. These five places house the highest concentration of centenarians on earth, and four of them happen to be near the coast. Coincidence? We think not.
Associations have been found between living in close proximity to water and life expectancy. Onestudytracked over one million Canadian subjects and found significantly reduced mortality rates in those living within 250 meters of the water—also noting potential protective effects against stroke and respiratory-related deaths (specifically in women and older adults).
Inland-dweller, don’t fret. Visiting works too! Survey results from a newstudy published inLandscape and Urban Planningindicate frequent visits to the shore-line might also bolster feelings of relaxation and decrease stress. Blue space frequenters reported overall feelings of restoration—serving as a cognitive reset to help rest and heal your body.
Next time you set a reminder todrink your water, set one toget outsidetoo. Even if you can’t afford a beachfront home in Malibu (like most of us), the benefits of water extend far beyond the coast. Walk around a local lake, take a lunch break in front of a bubbling fountain or soak up the view as you cross a bridge. The results might just surprise you.
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