Coastal blue space and depression in older adults. ESRI Research Bulletin 2018/12

Dempsey, Seraphim and Devine, Mel T. and Gillespie, Tom and Lyons, Seán and Nolan, Anne (2018) Coastal blue space and depression in older adults. ESRI Research Bulletin 2018/12. UNSPECIFIED.

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Abstract

The coastline appeals to people for the many leisure activities available near it and the attractive views it offers. Property prices and rents are higher near the coast and in properties with sea views, providing direct evidence that people value these amenities. But there is also research suggesting that access to “blue space” (being near the coast or having a good view of the sea) can confer specific health benefits. To test this suggestion, this paper examined whether living close to the coastline in Ireland or having a larger view of the sea from one’s residence was associated with lower risk of depression among people aged 50+. How might blue space assist mental health? Previous research emphasises three possibilities: • Encouragement of physical activity (e.g. swimming, walking on beaches), which in turn is linked to mental and physical well-being; • Facilitating increased social interaction, leading to greater sense of belonging and social cohesion; and • Acting directly as therapeutic or salutogenic (health and well-being promoting) places. Our study examined how depression risk varied within a large sample of older adults in Ireland, allowing for many factors thought to affect this risk, including coastal proximity and views.

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