The need for sea

I saw this chap walking slowly, alone along the edge of the ocean and couldn't help wondering what his situation was, what he was thinking and if he was happy or sad or merely taking a walk.
I don't often see older people taking a walk on their own without a dog. He seemed more pensive - melancholy maybe, than the joggers, dog-walkers, families and couples going past. He stopped regularly and stood still, simply staring at the water. I couldn't help sensing he was missing someone and hurting.