A study suggests that giving youngsters memorable beach experiences could make them happy as adults.
Researchers discovered that adults with the best mental health spent more time in natural “blue spaces” than children.
This category includes lakes, rivers, and beaches.
Researchers believe that children who like spending time in nature become outdoorsy as adults.
According to the team, this has “positive consequences” for their wellness.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that those who spend more time outdoors are happier and less worried.
Being in nature typically entails increased physical activity, which has been demonstrated to benefit mental health since it triggers the release of “feel-good” hormones.
The study surveyed more than 15,000 individuals from 18 nations regarding their childhood vacations and adult satisfaction.
Participants came from the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia.
Participants were asked about their current well-being, how frequently they visit various natural places, and why they do so, as well as whether or not their childhood experiences had influenced them.
In addition, participants were asked how accessible blue areas were to them as youngsters, if their parents allowed them to play there, and how often they visited them.
This pattern was observed in all 18 nations examined, including the landlocked Czech Republic.
The researchers concluded that this indicated that spending time near lakes or rivers was just as helpful as being near the ocean.
Valeria Vitale, a doctorate student at the Sapienza University of Rome and the study’s lead author, stated that the findings underscore the need to “promote childhood visits” to blue areas.
She said, “Our findings imply that developing familiarity and confidence in and around blue areas during childhood may foster an innate appreciation for nature.”
‘[It may also] motivate individuals to seek out recreational nature activities, which has positive effects on adult mental health.
