Near Water Is a Healthy Place to Be

Activist Angler's home on a lake, following an ice storm. Photo by Robert Montgomery

Living near water may be good for your health, according to university researchers. I could have told them that.

Theories for the reason include less stress, more outdoor activity, a calmer lifestyle, and the soothing effects of sunsets and walks on a beach, according to the Great Lakes Echo.

I’d also add that living near water puts you right in the middle of all the wonder that is nature, which makes you more appreciative of and respectful for life in general. Here at my little lake, I share my property with ducks, deer, foxes, turkeys, rabbits, skunks, bats, snakes, lizards, frogs, squirrels (too many!), raccoons (who poop on my deck), and even a bear.

And let’s not forget that water contains fish, which facilitates fishing:

“The gods do not deduct from man's allotted span the hours spent in fishing.”

By the way, wealth is not a factor. People of limited means show the biggest gains in life spans when they live near water.

That emphasizes that keeping our public waters clean and accessible is vital.

Learn more from the University of Exeter here.