Coastal blue space and depression in older adults

ESRI Research Bulletin Articles provide short summaries of work published by ESRI researchers and overviews of thematic areas covered by ESRI programmes of research. Bulletin Articles are designed to be easily accessible to a wide readership. A reference or references to the full publication is included at the start of each Bulletin article.

December 10, 2018
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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.2 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+.