Coastal blue space and depression in older adults

Dempsey, Seraphim; Devine, Mel T.; Gillespie, Tom; Lyons, Seán; Nolan, Alexis

doi:10.1016/j.healthplace.2018.09.002

Cited by 96 publications

(68 citation statements)

References 36 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…A large UK study with over 20,000 people estimated two hours/week outdoors in bluegreen spaces as a critical threshold, below which well-being decreases significantly (33). But indirect contact, by having a window view of nature, and especially blue spaces, has also been found to be positively associated with better mental health, even once socio-economic factors have been taken into account (34)(35)(36). Importantly for the COVID-19 crisis, research also suggests that maintaining contact with nature during stressful life events, such as relationship breakdown or job loss, can "buffer" individuals against stress; with those living in greener areas reporting fewer mental and physical symptoms of poor-health during, and shortly after, the stressful event (37).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Maintaining contact with blue-green spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic associated with positive mental health

Pouso¹,

Borja²,

Fleming³

et al. 2020

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

There is growing evidence that exposure to the natural world (blue-green spaces) has potential benefits for mental health and well-being. The COVID-19 pandemic and the measures adopted to control it provide a natural experiment to investigate the links between nature exposure and mental health under extreme conditions. Using a survey distributed online and based on 6,080 responses, we tested three hypotheses: (1) people will show different levels of symptoms of depression and anxiety depending on the level of lockdown (severity) and ability to maintain contact with outdoor spaces; and (2) where access to outdoor public spaces was restricted, those with access to private outdoor spaces (2a) or even a green-blue nature view (2b) will show fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety and a more positive mood. Lockdown severity significantly affected mental health, while contact with nature helped people to cope with these impacts. The buffering effect of nature was especially relevant for those under strict lockdowns. People perceived that nature helped them to cope with lockdown measures; and emotions were more positive among individuals with accessible outdoor spaces and blue-green elements in their views. These findings can help decision-makers in developing potential future lockdown measures to mitigate the negative impacts, helping people to be more resilient and maintain better mental health.

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Maintaining contact with blue-green spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic associated with positive mental health

Pouso¹,

Borja²,

Fleming³

et al. 2020

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Evidence suggests that living or undertaking moderate physical activity near blue spaces such as the coast, lakes, or rivers is associated with better general health and wellbeing. It reduces anxiety and depression [ 17 , 18 , 19 ], creates opportunities for social interactions [ 4 ], and is linked to a better general mood [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ]. However, the majority of these studies have focused on the salutogenic effects (i.e., the promotion and maintenance of physical and mental wellbeing) of being close to a water body, rather than being in direct contact with it.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Beneficial Effects of Short-Term Exposure to Scuba Diving on Human Mental Health

Carreño

Gascón

Vert

et al. 2020

IJERPH

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Exposure to outdoor blue spaces can help improve human health by reducing stress, promoting social relationships, and physical activity. While most studies have focused on the adverse health effects of scuba diving, very few have assessed its health benefits. Moreover, when scuba diving is done in large groups with no diving instructor or pre-dive briefing, negative environmental impacts are generated and negative impacts on human health may also occur due to overcrowding, which may create stress. This is the first study to evaluate the effects of scuba diving on divers’ mental health using their diving practices to estimate the impacts on the ecosystem. In the marine-protected area of Cap de Creus and adjacent areas, we assessed the mental health of 176 divers and 70 beach users (control group) by employing a 29-item version of Profile of Mood State (POMS) questionnaires. According to the parameters associated with reduced environmental impacts, two scuba diving experiences were established. Poisson regression models were performed to assess both the contribution of the activity and diving experiences to POMS scores. Both groups (scuba divers and beach goers) reduced their POMS scores after carrying out the activities. Although no significant differences were found between beach and scuba diving activities, nor between the two different scuba diving experiences, our results showed that subjects with regular medication intake due to a chronic or psychiatric illness had a POMS reduction score significantly higher than other subjects. We conclude that both beach and scuba diving activities have positive effects for human mental health, particularly among subjects with regular medication intake.

show abstract

“…Many of the benefits appear to be derived from the sea's ability to encourage, particularly urbanized, populations into spending more time outdoors ‘in the fresh air’, engaging in activities ranging from high energy water sports to more gentle coastal walks (White, Pahl, Wheeler, Fleming, & Depledge, ; White, Wheeler, Herbert, Alcock & Depledge, ). Studies in three countries (New Zealand, Ireland and Hong Kong) even suggest that merely having a view of the ocean from home is associated with a lower risk of general and/or mental health problems, after taking into account direct coastal engagement and various socio‐economic factors (Dempsey, Devine, Gillespie, Lyons, & Nolan, ; Garrett et al, ; Nutsford, Pearson, Kingham, & Reitsma, ).…”

Section: Recognizing Benefits and New Opportunitiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fostering human health through ocean sustainability in the 21st century

et al. 2019

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

1. The approach of the Decade of the Ocean for Sustainable Development (2021)(2022)(2023)(2024)(2025)(2026)(2027)(2028)(2029)(2030) provides a time to reflect on what we know about the complex interactions between the seas, oceans, and human health and well-being. In the past, these interactions have been seen primarily within a risk framework, for example, adverse impacts of extreme weather, chemical pollution and increasingly, climate change. However, new research is expanding our concept of the 'health' of the 'GlobalOcean', with a broader recognition of its essential and beneficial contribution to the current and future health and well-being of humans. The seas and coasts not only provide an essential source of food, opportunities for trade and access to sustainable energy, but also the chance for people to interact with high-quality marine environments which can lead to improvements in mental and physical health and well-being, particularly of socio-economically deprived individuals.3. By going beyond this risk framework and a purely extractive anthropocentric point of view, we can capture the true benefits, value and importance of these resources. Articulating a vision of how humans might better interact with marine ecosystems in the future, is a key first step in identifying a range of policy and management actions that can deliver our goals of fostering health and well-being through the establishment of more sustainable interconnections with the Global Ocean. K E Y W O R D Sbenefits, health, oceans, planetary health, risks, wellbeing | 277People and Nature FLEMING Et aL.

show abstract

Coastal blue space and depression in older adults

Abstract: provide short summaries of work published by ESRI researchers and overviews of thematic areas covered by ESRI programmes of research. Bulletins are designed to be easily accessible to a wide readership.

Cited by 96 publications

References 36 publications

Maintaining contact with blue-green spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic associated with positive mental health

Maintaining contact with blue-green spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic associated with positive mental health

The Beneficial Effects of Short-Term Exposure to Scuba Diving on Human Mental Health

Fostering human health through ocean sustainability in the 21st century

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About