‘A lot better than medicine’ - Self-organised ocean swimming groups as facilitators for healthy ageing

Costello, Leesa; McDermott, Marie-Louise; Patel, Palak; Dare, Julie

doi:10.1016/j.healthplace.2019.102212

Cited by 27 publications

(58 citation statements)

References 41 publications

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“…The expansion of outdoor swimming has also been mirrored by the increased volume of research on the potential benefits of activity in blue spaces [ 7 ], thus, highlighting not only the need to remain physically active but also the potential of the natural environment to support improvements in health and well-being [ 8 ]. At this stage, there are many accounts suggesting that outdoor swimming can promote healthy aging and improve health [ 9 , 10 ]. The evidence remains at an anecdotal, case report or expert opinion level in accordance with evidence-based medicine criteria [ 11 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Perceived Impact of Outdoor Swimming on Health: Web-Based Survey

Massey¹,

Gorczynski²,

Harper³

et al. 2022

Interact J Med Res

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Background Outdoor swimming in lakes, lidos (outdoor pools), rivers, and the sea has grown in popularity in many countries, including the United Kingdom. Many anecdotal accounts indicate improvements in medical conditions, which are considered a consequence of outdoor swimming. Objective The aim of this study is to better understand outdoor swimmers’ perceptions of their health and the extent to which participation impacted their existing self-reported symptoms. Methods A survey was conducted to investigate outdoor swimming behaviors and reports of any diagnosed medical conditions. Medical conditions were coded into categories, and descriptive statistics were generated regarding the outdoor swimmers’ behaviors and the effect that outdoor swimming had on their medical symptoms if any. The medical categories were clustered into five larger categories based on their prevalence in the current sample: mental health; musculoskeletal and injury; neurological; cardiovascular and blood disease; and other, which comprises inflammatory, immune, endocrine, and respiratory conditions. Results In total, 722 outdoor swimmers responded, of whom 498 (68.9%) were female. The probability of outdoor swimming having some positive impact on health across all medical categories was 3.57 times higher compared with no impact (B=1.28, 95% CI 0.63-1.91; P<.001), 44.32 times higher for the mental health category (B=3.79, 95% CI 2.28-5.30; P<.001), 5.25 times higher for musculoskeletal and injury category (B=1.66, 95% CI 0.52-2.79; P=.004), and 4.02 times higher for the other category (B=1.39, 95% CI 0.27-2.51; P=.02). Overall, outdoor swimming was associated with perceived reductions in symptoms of poor mental health (χ22=25.1; P<.001), musculoskeletal and injury (χ22=8.2; P=.04), cardiovascular and blood (χ22=14.7; P=.006), and other conditions (χ22=18.2; P<.001). Conclusions Physical activity in the form of outdoor swimming is perceived to have positive impacts on health and is associated with perceived symptom reductions in mental health, musculoskeletal and injury, and cardiovascular and blood conditions. This study cannot provide causal relationships or provide mechanistic insights. However, it does provide a starting point for more targeted prospective intervention research into individual conditions or categories of conditions to establish the impact in those who choose to start outdoor swimming.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Perceived Impact of Outdoor Swimming on Health: Web-Based Survey

Massey¹,

Gorczynski²,

Harper³

et al. 2022

Interact J Med Res

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Older adults have further reported that they engage in physical activity for reasons of health, independence, pleasure and social connection, and to resist the devaluation of ageing bodies (Hudson, Day, & Oliver, 2015 ; Phoenix & Orr, 2014 ). Group-based participatory activities also appear to contribute significantly to healthy ageing (Haslam, Cruwys, & Haslam, 2014 ; Haslam, Cruwys, Milne, Kan, & Haslam, 2016 ), and positive interpersonal relations fostered through group-based activities, including physical activities, are described as appealing to older adults and serving to promote and sustain their participation (Capalb, O’Halloran, & Liamputtong, 2014 ; Costello, McDermott, Patel, & Dare, 2019 ; Dare, Wilkinson, Marquis, & Donovan, 2018 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Physical activity as a health resource: a cross-sectional survey applying a salutogenic approach to what older adults consider meaningful in organised physical activity initiatives

Ericson

Quennerstedt

Geidne

2021

Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine

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“…This study adds the lived, personal experience of open-water swimming to the strong evidence base for the therapeutic benefits of blue-space engagement (Britton et al , 2018). Occupational therapists in all areas of practice could consider using (or advocating for access to) the natural blue-space resources of Ireland in therapeutic ways, whether that is facilitating water-based leisure for people with physical disabilities (Carin-Levy and Jones, 2007), maintaining the health of older adults (Costello et al , 2019) or helping people overcome PTSD (Krpalek et al , 2020). Creating, supporting, or facilitating service users access to communities of swimmers in Ireland, such as Snamhai Sasta (O’Donoghue, 2021), could also promote engagement in this occupation with high potential for health and well-being.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Ice-water swimming has been found to have a positive impact on mental health for Finnish swimmers (Huttunen et al , 2004). Australian participants of informal swimming groups identified that the marine and social environments promoted healthy aging and were beneficial for well-being (Costello et al , 2019). In Ireland, participants in a qualitative study found that immersions in the Irish Sea were linked with meditative factors and relief from arthritis and depression (Foley, 2015).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The meaning of open-water swimming for adults in Ireland: a qualitative study

Murray

Fox

2021

IJOT

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Purpose There has been an increase in swimming in natural bodies of water as reported in personal qualitative accounts. However, limited academic research has explored the meaning of this occupation. Engaging with nature, exercising and being part of a community contribute to better mental and physical health. The purpose of this research was to explore the meaning that adults attribute to open-water swimming in natural bodies of water. Design/methodology/approach This study used phenomenological interviews to explore the meaning that five adults attribute to open-water swimming. Findings Open-water swimming contributes to meaning-making in many ways. Participants reported swimming as necessary for maintaining mental and emotional well-being and forming meaningful connections with the social environment, nature and their true selves. Research limitations/implications This study contributes to the understanding of the meaning of open-water swimming for adults in Ireland. Understanding the meaning of this occupation may add to the body of evidence exploring blue-space to promote health. Originality/value Open-water swimming is an occupation growing in popularity. This is the first paper to explore open-water swimming from an occupational perspective. This may provide an alternative perspective for viewing blue-space engagement and understanding the relationship between health, blue-space occupations and our oceans.

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‘A lot better than medicine’ - Self-organised ocean swimming groups as facilitators for healthy ageing

Cited by 27 publications

References 41 publications

Perceived Impact of Outdoor Swimming on Health: Web-Based Survey

Perceived Impact of Outdoor Swimming on Health: Web-Based Survey

Physical activity as a health resource: a cross-sectional survey applying a salutogenic approach to what older adults consider meaningful in organised physical activity initiatives

The meaning of open-water swimming for adults in Ireland: a qualitative study

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