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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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    Item Type: Other
    Subjects for non-EU documents: EU policies and themes > Policies & related activities > public health policy (including global activities)
    Countries > Ireland
    Subjects for EU documents: UNSPECIFIED
    EU Series and Periodicals: UNSPECIFIED
    EU Annual Reports: UNSPECIFIED
    Series: Series > Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), Dublin > ESRI Research Bulletin
    Depositing User: Phil Wilkin
    Official EU Document: No
    Language: English
    Date Deposited: 28 Dec 2019 11:59
    Number of Pages: 4
    Last Modified: 28 Dec 2019 11:59
    URI: http://aei.pitt.edu/id/eprint/101961

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