Benefits of Going to the Beach for Seniors

There are plenty of things to love about living in Riverview, Florida. Gorgeous weather that spans the year, a thriving retail sector, and several golf courses, nature preserves, restaurants, and cultural opportunities all ensure that life is never boring in this suburb of Tampa. Of course, there’s also easy access to the beach. The benefits of going to the beach for seniors definitely deserve consideration.

Benefits of Going to the Beach for Seniors

How do you justify spending a day enjoying the sun, sand, and surf? When you’re aware of the many benefits of going to the beach for seniors, it’s easy to make a persuasive case.

You’ll Soak in Some Vitamin D

Known as the sunshine vitamin because your body makes it when your skin is exposed to sunlight, vitamin D helps boost the immune system. It also helps the body absorb calcium and is important for strong bones and teeth. In addition, it assists with weight control and the fight against various diseases. Clearly, it’s an important building block for your body. According to the University of New Hampshire, you get an entire day’s worth of this powerful vitamin in just 10 minutes of beach time. Plus, any extra vitamin D that you take in can be stored for later.

You’ll Destress

The beach impacts the senses in a way that almost forces you to destress. Being in nature in a place where you feel safe is a great way to unwind. Listening to the rhythmic sound of the surf as the waves break against the sand decreases blood pressure and promotes relaxation. Plus, the negative ions in the air can reduce inflammation, which may reduce pain.

You’ll Breathe Better

When you step on the beach, there’s a natural inclination to breathe deeply. That’s because the air at the beach is filled with negative ions. These ions actually increase oxygen absorption in the lungs, so anyone with breathing difficulties will find that they’re more comfortable at the beach. It’s also why exercising at the beach can be so much more fun.

You’ll Have a Chance to Reduce Pain and Fatigue with Grounding

Do you ditch your shoes to walk barefoot at the beach? If you haven’t yet, you may want to give it a try. Called grounding or earthing, the practice of going barefoot in nature with the goal of absorbing energy from the Earth isn’t thoroughly studied. However, the available data suggests the practice might offer some help for chronic pain and fatigue. As Redbook points out, the beach is a perfect place to give it a try. With the soft sand and lots of bare feet, you won’t stand out in the crowd, and you’re unlikely to step on anything as long as you stick to well-traveled areas where you can see where you’re putting your feet.

You’ll Have So Many Opportunities to Stay Active

Being active is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, and visiting the beach creates plenty of fun opportunities. You can swim, wade in the water, or simply walk or jog along the shoreline. If you prefer, you can stay on the sand and engage in any one of the countless games that people play at the beach.

You’ll Be Able to Boost Your Iodine Levels with a Swim

Iodine is a trace element that is often added to salt because it’s important for thyroid health. Without enough of it in your body, your energy levels will suffer. Hair and nail growth also wane. Interestingly enough, some people believe iodine may have cancer-fighting properties. Where can you find iodine at the beach? All you need to do is make a splash. Water with living organisms in it naturally contains iodine, so while you’re cooling off at the beach, you’re also absorbing this valuable element through your skin.

You’ll Sleep Better After a Day at the Beach

Spending a day at the beach helps almost everyone sleep better when they get home that night. Even the most stubborn insomnia normally gives way after the activity, sun exposure, and hormone triggers involved in spending a day at the shoreline. The sleep that comes also tends to be a deep, restful, high-quality sleep.

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The benefits of going to the beach for seniors are very real. Are you interested in taking advantage of them on a regular basis? If the idea of settling in Riverview, Florida is appealing, check out the Crossings at Riverview.