Those fortunate enough to take a beach vacation or live in a coastal city already know the calming effect of the ocean surf, or the sensorial joys of digging your toes into the sand.
But according to new reports from researchers at Ohio State University, living near the ocean might really help you live longer.
The researchers analyzed population data, including life expectancy, of more than 66,000 census tracts throughout the United States, comparing numbers baked on proximity to waterways.
They found that living within miles of the ocean breeze may be linked to a longer life, but that the same benefits don’t apply for living in a riverside city (Sorry, Chicago).
Basically, the researchers saw a correlation between longer life expectancy and water for those who live within about 30 miles of an ocean or gulf. Those who dwell in rural settings and live near water may see some extended lifespans, too. But for people in urban settings near an inland body of water, the opposite was actually true.
“Overall, the coastal residents were expected to live a year or more longer than the 79-year average, and those who lived in more urban areas near inland rivers and lakes were likely to die by about 78 or so,” lead researcher Jianyong “Jamie” Wu said in a statement.
“The coastal residents probably live longer due to a variety of intertwined factors.”
Those factors, researchers say, include milder temperatures, better air quality, opportunities for recreation, improved transportation, decreased susceptibility to drought, and higher incomes.
The most critical difference, according to the study — which was published in the journal “Environmental Research” — is that coastal areas experience fewer hot days and lower maximum temperatures compared to inland water areas.
A myriad of existing studies have found that both high and low temperatures are associated with mortality and reduced life expectancy, since high temperatures have been linked to cardiovascular conditions, hypertension, elderly mortality, and even increased suicide rates, the researchers said. The mild temperatures of coastal living play a key role in improved health outcomes.
“On the other side, pollution, poverty, lack of safe opportunities to be physically active, and an increased risk of flooding are likely drivers of these differences,” added Yanni Cao, a postdoctoral researcher who worked on the study.
Wu embarked on the study after analyzing previous research that has found a connection between living near water and better health outcomes, like higher physical activity levels, lower obesity rates, and improved heart health.
From there, he hypothesized that there could be a link between “blue space” and longer lifespans.
“We thought it was possible that any type of 'blue space' would offer some beneficial effects,” Wu said, “and we were surprised to find such a significant and clear difference between those who live near coastal waters and those who live near inland waters.”
He said that the study is the first to comprehensively examine the relationships between various types of water, or “blue space,” and longevity in the U.S.
Cao is curious to see how this data could provide insights into life expectancy trends in the U.S. compared to other wealthy nations, especially as the U.S. has experienced a sharper decline in life expectancy than other peer countries.
“It's likely that various social determinants of health, including complex environmental factors, that contribute to health inequities are playing a key role in the differences we saw,” Cao said.
While further analysis may be done in the future to examine these factors, for now, the researchers are eager that they have more evidence to back up their theory.
“We found a clear difference,” Wu said. “In coastal areas, people are living longer.”
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