Every year, thousands of Brits go to Spain for the sun, sea, and to escape the dark, cold UK winters. For every year that passes, more and more people are making the move permanent by entering the Spanish property market and purchasing their dream home in Spain – not only for the beautiful landscapes and culture, but for the surprising health benefits that living in Spain can bring. In this article, we cover some of the key health benefits that many people living in Spain notice.
1) Better circulation
The cold weather can impact how blood flows around the body and constrict blood vessels, unfortunately raising the risk of a heart attack significantly. In fact, in many countries there are up to 53% more heart attacks over the winter. The Spanish climate can therefore do wonders for the cardiovascular system as it rarely makes drastic dips into freezing temperatures, and has a more consistent climate in general.
2) Reduced stress
There is a classic Spanish saying – “mañana mañana” – which is used to say things along the lines of “no stress”, “don’t worry” etc. In Spain, things are not always as fast-paced, something that makes it particularly suited to those looking to enter the Spanish property market after retirement. There is a culture of enjoying life and not getting stressed out, which in itself is great for your health.
The heat of the sun also affects the endocrine system – the part of the body which secretes endorphins – the natural chemicals designed to make us feel relaxed and less stressed.
3) Aiding with arthritis and asthma
Recommended by the World Health Organisation as “near perfect environment as it is possible to obtain”, the Spanish climate can help ease the symptoms of both arthritis and asthma. In fact, near-miraculous cures for both have been recorded in those who soak up the sun all year round in a Spanish home.
4) Feeling more active and alert
For those lucky enough to have a Spanish property near the coast, there are health benefits to taking regular dips in the sea. Floating in the salt water diverts blood from the lower limbs and pumps it towards the abdominal region because you are no longer standing upright.
This fresh blood brings more oxygen to the brain making people more alert and active, another great reason to enter the Spanish property market!
5) Autoimmune benefits
Many viruses and bacteria can only survive in cooler climates and struggle to survive in warmer temperatures, so living in a country with a climate such as Spain could stop you getting ill so frequently.
6) Improved mental health
Surprisingly, studies have confirmed that having a view of the ocean was associated with improved mental health, even after taking into account residents’ wealth, age, sex and other neighbourhood factors. They have speculated that this is down to the calming effects of the colour blue, as those living in areas with an abundance of greenery did not see the same mental health improvements.
7) Increased levels of Vitamin D
Most people know that you get Vitamin D from exposure to sunlight, so it makes sense that people who live in a climate such as Spain’s maintain excellent levels of Vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked with a number of health conditions including certain cancers, heart disease, depression and chronic pain, making maintaining excellent Vitamin D levels a wonderful benefit of taking the plunge and looking into the Spanish property market.
8) Longer life expectancy
People living in Spain are predicted to have the longest life expectancy in the world by 2040 – beating Japan into second place – and much of the reason is to do with the way they eat! Great news for those who love the Spanish culture of good food and good wine!
Want to find out more about the Spanish property maket?
If any of the health benefits mentioned above have tempted you into exploring the Spanish property market, why wait? Our friendly, experienced team at Spanish Legal Homes are ready to help you find your perfect property for sale in a location and budget that suits you.
Learn more about viewing property for sale in Southern Spain or book a £99p.p. viewing trip today. Bookings now being taken for Winter viewing trips.