Sally sold seashells by the seashore for a reason: her health.

A new study conducted by researchers at the European Centre for Environment & Human Health at the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry says that people who live on the coast are healthier than people who live inland.

Using European census data from 2001 allowed Dr. Ben Wheeler and Dr. Mathew White to survey 48 million people.  Respondents had been asked on the census to define their health. Wheeler and White looked at the people who responded to the health question with “Good” and then examined how close to the coast these citizens lived.

The other multiple choice options for describing health were: “Fairly Good” or “Not Good.” “Jolly Good” was not a possible response apparently. Researchers also tabulated age, gender, and varying social and economic factors.

On average coastal populations reported good health more than comparable populations inland. Researchers also noted a “link between living near the coast and good health was strongest in the most economically deprived communities.”  What is clear from that link is residents in those communities utilize the likely free space a short walk from their homes to exercise and relieve stress.

Wheeler, the study’s lead author, said about the research, "We know that people usually have a good time when they go to the beach, but there is strikingly little evidence of how spending time at the coast can affect health and wellbeing. By analyzing data for the whole population, our research suggests that there is a positive effect, although this type of study cannot prove cause and effect. We need to carry out more sophisticated studies to try to unravel the reasons that may explain the relationship we're seeing. If the evidence is there, it might help to provide governments with the guidance necessary to wisely and sustainably use our valuable coasts to help improve the health of the whole UK population."

But what about people living inland in quiet country locations or farms; they probably get a lot of exercise? What affect does living in a tourist attraction like so many beachside communities are have on a permanent resident’s health? What was once a quiet, relaxing stroll on the beach can turn into a hassle during peak vacation times.

"While not everyone can live by the sea, some of the health promoting features of coastal environments could be transferable to other places. Any future initiatives will need to balance the potential benefits of coastal access against threats from extreme events, climate change impacts, and the unsustainable exploitation of coastal locations,” said White.