Coastal dwellers feel healthier than those living inland

People who live on the coast are more likely to feel healthier than those living inland, according to analysis of the 2001 census.

Researchers at the European Centre for Environment and Human Health at the University of Exeter looked at data from 48 million people from the 2001 Census.

People living by the coast feel healthier than those inland

They compared how close people were to the sea and their answer to a question about their own health.

Writing in the journal Health and Place, the researchers discovered that people living less than 1km from the sea were more likely to say they were in ‘good health’ than people living further away.

Lead researcher Dr Ben Wheeler said lots of explanations had been put forward. He said:

"One of the most obvious is the opportunity for physical activity or being more motivated to go for a walk along the coast.”

Indeed, the NHS says that if exercise were a pill, it would be one of the most cost-effective drugs ever invented.

In addition, being beside the seaside in places like Skegness, St Ives or Scarborough is said to be a more relaxing environment than the city.

Stress is not an illness itself, but it can cause serious illness if it is not addressed.

Interestingly, people from the poorest backgrounds benefited most from a coastal home. There was little or no benefit found for the most affluent people.

If you want to compare the hospital facilities between coastal areas and the city then use our hospital database. Simply put in your postcode and we will show you all the private hospitals you can access through your health insurance policy.