Could Coastal Living Be the Key to a Longer Life?
If you’re chasing longevity, you’ve likely heard the usual advice: eat healthy, exercise regularly, sleep well, and avoid smoking. But according to a new study by researchers at Ohio State University, there’s another intriguing variable that could impact your lifespan — living near the ocean.
In a comprehensive analysis of U.S. census data covering over 66,000 individuals, the researchers explored the connection between proximity to water and life expectancy. The surprising result? People living closer to coastal regions tend to live longer than the national average — sometimes by over a year.
Not All Water Bodies Are Equal
While previous studies have highlighted the health benefits of “blue spaces” like lakes and rivers, this new research specifically focused on life span outcomes — and it discovered a striking difference between coastal areas and urban inland water zones.
Residents living near the ocean are expected to live beyond 79 years, while those near inland lakes or rivers in urban settings tend to have a shorter life expectancy — around 78 years. This contradiction challenges the assumption that all water access is equally beneficial.
So what makes the seaside so special?
Why the Coastline Matters
Researchers point to several key factors that could contribute to this longevity trend. Coastal environments typically have cleaner air, more temperate weather, and greater opportunities for physical activity. Plus, the value of beachfront properties is usually higher, suggesting a higher socioeconomic status — another critical factor associated with better health outcomes.
By contrast, urban areas near lakes and rivers may be plagued by pollution, limited recreational infrastructure, and higher flood risks, which may offset the potential benefits of water proximity.
Interestingly, in rural regions, living near inland water bodies does show a modest increase in life expectancy, although not as dramatic as coastal living.
The Takeaway: Nature Still Matters — With Nuance
While this research doesn’t establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship, the correlation is clear: where you live can influence how long you live. Living by the coast seems to offer a health advantage, but only as part of a broader lifestyle and environmental context.
As co-author Jianhong Wu put it, “We expected any water source to be beneficial, but the difference between coastal and inland water living was surprisingly stark.”
Conclusion
Coastal living may be more than just a lifestyle choice — it could be a longevity strategy. This study underscores the complex interplay between environment, socioeconomic status, and public health, and it invites us to rethink the role of natural surroundings in shaping our well-being. While you can’t always pick your geography, the research reminds us that proximity to nature — especially the ocean — might just add years to your life.
