Neurologists from Fujian Medical University in China assert that lakes and rivers also have a healing effect on our brains. Therefore, living near water is the secret to a healthy and happy life in old age.
What Did the Researchers Discover?
The university team found that middle-aged and older Britons living near the sea, lakes, or rivers—referred to as “blue spaces”—are less likely to experience age-related cognitive decline.
According to a study published in the journal Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, the risk of mental degradation among these individuals is significantly lower than for those living far from blue spaces.
The neurologists behind the research claim that the humid air around large bodies of water helps reduce air pollution, which they link to age-related declines in cognitive abilities, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Researchers also noted that the sounds and sights of crashing waves and flowing water could play a crucial role in lowering stress levels and improving mood.
How Was the Study Conducted?
The team analyzed test results from 35,669 men and women in the UK Biobank, comparing their health status with their home addresses. The researchers were particularly interested in how close participants lived to blue spaces. They also assessed memory, reaction times, as well as verbal and numerical reasoning among respondents.
The scientists calculated the susceptibility to air pollution for each address, taking into account participants’ age, education, weight, diet, blood pressure, and alcohol consumption.
The astonishing results revealed that the more water surrounding a home, the better the cognitive abilities of its residents. Those living within 300 meters of abundant blue space had a 13.2 percent lower risk of cognitive impairments.
The effect was even more pronounced in areas with high air pollution. When levels of particulate matter were at their peak, a 10 percent increase in blue space within 300 meters of a home was associated with a 26.2 percent improvement in cognitive test scores.
The researchers stated that the findings of this study could be valuable for planners and policymakers working to create healthier cities of the future.