Living near the ocean might not just be good for your soul—it could actually help you live longer.
A new study from researchers at The Ohio State University has found that people who live within about 30 miles of a coastline may enjoy a longer life than those who live in cities near rivers or lakes.
The study looked at data from more than 66,000 census tracts across the United States. The researchers compared the average life expectancy of people based on how close they lived to different kinds of water: oceans, rivers, lakes, and other inland waterways.
They discovered that people who live close to the ocean or gulf tend to live longer. On average, these coastal residents lived more than a year longer than the national life expectancy of 79 years.
On the other hand, people in cities located near inland bodies of water, like large lakes or rivers, actually had a shorter life expectancy—typically around 78 years.
Dr. Jianyong “Jamie” Wu, the study’s lead author, explained that this difference in lifespan is likely due to many factors working together. Coastal residents often benefit from cooler and more stable temperatures, cleaner air, and more chances to enjoy outdoor activities like walking or swimming.
These areas may also have better public transportation and higher average incomes. All of these things can help people stay healthier and live longer.
In contrast, urban areas near rivers or lakes can face problems such as higher pollution levels, poverty, less safe outdoor space for exercise, and greater risks of flooding. These challenges may explain why living near inland water doesn’t offer the same health benefits as living near the sea.
Yanni Cao, a postdoctoral researcher who also worked on the study, noted that temperature differences were especially important. Coastal areas generally have fewer extremely hot days and lower peak temperatures, which can reduce heat-related health problems.
The idea that living near water—also called “blue space”—might be good for your health isn’t new. Earlier research has shown that people who live near water tend to be more active, have lower obesity rates, and better heart health.
But this is the first major study to show that the type of water and the environment you live in matter a lot when it comes to how long you live.
Dr. Wu said he was surprised by the size of the difference between coastal and inland residents. “We thought all types of blue space might offer benefits,” he said. “But it turns out coastal living really stands out.”
The researchers believe that this study also gives some insight into broader health trends. Life expectancy in the U.S. has been falling behind compared to other wealthy countries. Cao said that environmental and social conditions—including whether you live near a clean coast or a polluted river—may be part of the reason why.
Ria Martins, a graduate student in public health, was also involved in the study.
In conclusion, while living near water can have benefits, this study shows that the type of water and the surrounding environment play a big role. Coastal areas offer many health advantages that may help people live longer, while cities near rivers or lakes might not provide the same boost.
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