How beach walks help our brains stay sharp as we age

Neuroscientist Dr Rachel Taylor, of the Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre – part of the National Institute for Health and Care Research – says living near the sea or regular visits to our coastline can actually improve our brain function.

She said: “Research has shown that, when people breathe in the sea air, the ions contained in it helps improve the electrical functionality of the brain by 47% as well as creating new neural pathways, which, simply put, allows you to think with more clarity.”

She explained that, as we age, these neural pathways can decline, along with brain functionality. Anything to help these can keep us sharper for longer.

Dr Taylor told Saga Exceptional: “Everybody can create new neurons until the day they die; these are caused by new experiences (as well as meeting new people). The more flexibility we have in our mindset, the more elastic our brain is and the better we age. Trying different routines is also good – such as brushing your teeth with your non dominant hand.

“However, our mental capacity isn’t just about the ageing process, it’s the environment we live in, the pollutants we are exposed to, how we eat, what we eat and how we hydrate.

“The negative ions in sea air are an important part of this. These ions reduce inflammation, which helps to remove free radicals. They also promote better communication along the neurons as they enhance the electrical stimulation of the brain.

“Put quite simply, being by the sea really does benefit our brain.”

A 2013 study of 10,000 people on happiness in natural environments found marine and coastal locations to be our happiest places by a large margin.

“We find people who visit the coast at least twice-weekly tend to experience better general and mental health,” Dr Lewis Elliott, from the University of Exeter told The Guardian. “Some of our research suggests around two hours a week is probably beneficial, across many sectors of society.” He added that even sea views have been associated with better mental health.

The Victorians thought the sea air was so good that it was prescribed as a treatment for conditions including tuberculosis. More recently, seaside fans have dubbed the health benefits of our coastlines as ‘Vitamin Sea’ and the sea-derived spa treatment Thalassotherapy, which began in the 19^th century is still very popular now.

Research has suggested that even a short coastal walk can boost your mood and Dr Taylor says that combining exercise and sea air means we can enjoy additional health benefits.

Dr Taylor said: “The sea air really helps us to breathe better. The benefits of breathing in sea air whilst exercising can include improved lung function, reduced coughing, decreased sinus pressure and thinner mucus.”

Dr Taylor also urges anyone walking on our coastline to go barefoot on sandy beaches.

She says: “The beach is a great place to ground and earth your circadian rhythm, your body’s 24-hour cycle.

“Feeling the sand beneath your feet and between your toes reduces inflammation in the brain and body, plus it helps connect the earth with the 7,000 nerve endings you have in your feet.”

If you’ve been inspired to explore the UK’s beaches and enjoy these extra brain boosts, then try one of our eight best coastal walks.