Florida has become one of the most popular places to retire. There are many reasons for this, but the sunshine and beaches are at the top of the list. Living in a city like Venice on Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast means sun, warm breezes, and miles of salt water are right in your backyard.
If you’re looking for a few great reasons to dip more than your toes in salt water, you can add these to your list.
Benefits of Swimming in Salt Water
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Better Skin Health
Salt water acts as an incredible exfoliating agent. If you have sensitive skin, salt water provides gentle, non-irritating exfoliation. Salt water’s effective and mild exfoliating properties help alleviate several skin conditions, including acne, psoriatic skin, and eczema. Salt water also contains wide-ranging minerals like magnesium, which lower your body’s cortisol levels. This helps calm your nerves and minimizes the risk of skin breakouts.
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Improved Immune System
Swimming in seawater exposes us to naturally occurring germs. Regular swims in salt water help regulate the body’s antioxidant properties, reducing the likelihood of developing illnesses like cancer and cardiovascular disease. Certain trace elements found in salt water possess antibacterial properties. When the trace elements penetrate the skin, they help boost your body’s health and well-being.
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Improved Mental Health and Well-being
One of the most outstanding benefits of swimming in salt water is the hydrotherapy effect – using water to soothe pains and treat certain medical conditions. Although hydrotherapy is typically done in the pool, you can do many exercises right at the water’s edge in shallow water. Hydrotherapy helps relieve arthritis and persistent joint pains and allows your body to produce additional beta-endorphins, the feel-good hormones that alleviate anxiety.
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Salt Water Has Wound Healing Properties
As we age, our wounds may take longer to heal because of delayed and diminished proliferative and inflammatory responses. The mineral salts in seawater act as natural antiseptics and help wounds on the skin to mend faster. Plus, sodium helps expedite scar tissue formation following an injury and relieves injury-related muscle aches.
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Improved Breathing
Respiratory problems like phlegm, asthma, and coughing are relieved by immersing ourselves in seawater and breathing the salty air that is close to the beach. This is because salt water helps eliminate toxins that cause respiratory issues. Swimming regularly in salt water can have an even more significant effect on your respiratory health.
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Improved Sleep
We need good sleep patterns for our physical health and well-being. The cardiovascular aspect of swimming in salt water helps us keep our blood pressure at bay. This allows us to fall into a deep sleep after every swim. Additionally, the magnesium found in seawater helps calm the nerves. Combine all these factors with salty air and sufficient sunshine, and you are likely to enjoy a sound night’s sleep.
If you’re a senior who loves sunshine and salt water, Jacaranda Trace on Florida’s Gulf Coast is concierge style retirement living at its finest. You can contact us to learn more about Jacaranda Trace or to schedule a private tour.