SCOTS who choose to live next to a body of water could live longer, new research has suggested.
Being next to blue spaces – seas, rivers, lochs, and reservoirs – has been identified by numerous academic and research studies and programmes as having a number of benefits for adults, according to a paper from Visit Scotland.
One benefit is a stronger immune system which increases white blood cell count. This, in turn, can lengthen your life.
More than six-in-10 (65%) UK adults polled by YouGov for Visit Scotland said being next to water helped reduce anxiety and depression. Most (80%) believe it has a general calming effect, while around three quarters (73%) believe it reduces stress. In addition, more than half of those surveyed (51%) hail being near a body of water for helping sleep.
The findings arrive as a study commissioned by property developer Westpoint Homes revealed more than half of Scottish house hunters (65%) prioritise ‘peaceful and quiet surroundings’ when scouring the property market.
It comes in the wake of rising numbers of Scots swapping inner-city living for more rural areas as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In a poll for Westpoint Homes, half (50%) of Scots adults believe their current living situation can have a positive effect on their mental health, while 7-in-10 (69%) say living near green spaces boosts their mental wellbeing.
Further studies show that being near a body of water can result in improved relaxation, better social interactions, a boost in brain health and enhanced physical activity.
A Visit Scotland spokesperson said: “The general debate around the benefits of ‘green spaces’ on human living is generally well known but there is also a growing body of evidence which highlights the benefits to people of being near water, ‘blue spaces’ as such, whether this is being near the sea and oceans, or rivers, waterfalls and canals.
“There are numerous studies and programs that are investigating what the beach does to our brain, how living in close proximity to water can impact us in urban areas and how water can improve happiness and wellbeing, how water can improve our mental health.”
A new development from Westpoint Homes, Braidlaw Rise, offers a range of those benefits with its stunning, ‘peaceful and quiet’ position on the Ayrshire coast.
Braidlaw Rise, boasts 35 three, four and five-bedroom houses in ‘serene’ Seamill, West Kilbride.
Just a stone’s throw away from the beach while sitting only 30 miles from Glasgow city centre, Braidlaw Rise offers the best of both worlds within the development of elegant, modern homes.
Stephen Cullis, Chairman, Westpoint Homes, said: “These results are no surprise and our own internal data showed there was a real appetite for this type of property, that’s why we began to develop Braidlaw Rise in West Kilbride in the first place. It’s where coastal living meets modern comfort and convenience. Nestled within the beautiful rolling countryside and a mere two-minute drive from the picturesque shores of the Ayrshire coastline. With the sea just a stone’s throw away, residents can relish in the natural environment with easy reach of essential amenities.
“With its scenic seaside views, walks and cultural attractions, it continues to be a much-loved destination. It has plenty to offer adventure-seeking families and outdoor enthusiasts with hiking and nature walks along the Ayrshire Coastal Path which boasts breathtaking views of the Firth of Clyde and the beautiful silhouette of the Isle of Arran. Golfers can enjoy a round of 18 holes at West Kilbride Golf Club.”
“The area benefits from excellent transport links, including a railway station connecting residents to Glasgow and other nearby towns, making it an attractive option for those seeking a serene coastal lifestyle with a great work-life balance.”
