Imagine it: waves crashing, salt on your lips, while shells crunch under your feet. For many of us, there’s nothing better than a trip to the seaside.

The sea has always held a certain allure for many people, from the calming sound of the waves to the endless expanse of the horizon. But, did you know that living by the sea has plenty of health benefits?

Don’t believe it? Here are seven reasons why retiring to a coastal town in Scotland could be just what the doctor ordered.

Fresh air

Stand by the shore and breathe in the fresh air. Don’t you feel alive? Well, this is due to the negative ions in the air. Negative ions are tiny molecules in the atmosphere charged with electricity. The Earth naturally creates them, and they can be found in water, sunlight, and in the air after a thunderstorm.

The crashing waves of the sea naturally produce negative ions. When you breathe in these molecules, you absorb their energy. This can improve energy levels, mental health, and sleep. Plus, by living by the sea, your exposure to these molecules will be more frequent, resulting in better health.

Vitamin D

Scotland isn’t exactly known for its sunny weather, but living by the sea can still give you a good dose of vitamin D. The sun reflects off the water, giving you better exposure to its rays.

Vitamin D is vital for your health. It improves bone health and gives a boost to your immune system. It’s even been proven to reduce cancer cells, so getting vitamin D can be a real improvement for your health.

Exercise

Living by the sea means you can access a wide range of physical activities. Some include swimming, surfing, or even just walking on the beach.

Living in an area that encourages you to explore the outdoors is great for a healthy lifestyle. It can help you stay active and maintain a healthy weight, which can help prevent chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.

Stress relief

The feel of the sand between your toes, the wind in your hair, the waves crashing on the shore nearby. There’s a reason places like spas and beauty salons use crashing wave soundtracks – it’s calming.

Studies show that the sound of the waves activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which slows the brain and helps relaxation. This means that living by the sea can help reduce stress and anxiety, improving your overall health and well-being.

Improved respiratory health

The sea air can also have a positive effect on your respiratory health. Saltwater helps clear out your airways and improve lung function, making it a great choice for retirees dealing with respiratory issues.

Sea air contains minute droplets of seawater containing iodine, magnesium, and, of course, salt. As we breathe this in, we inhale these particles, encouraging our immune systems to cleanse our lungs. You can easily improve your health by simply walking along the shore each day.

I do like to be beside the seaside!

There are countless health benefits to living by the sea. From the fresh air, vitamin D, exercise, stress relief and respiratory improvements, you’re guaranteed to live a happy, healthy retirement.

One coastal town that is perfect for retirees is Peterhead. There are plenty of local amenities and social groups for retirees looking to keep fit. Check out the local property experts to find your perfect home on the coast!