If you’re hoping to live a longer, healthier life, scientists now say moving closer to the coast might help you achieve that. A large study from Ohio State University has found that people living by the sea tend to live over a year longer than average.
The research, published in Environmental Research, analyzed data from 66,263 individuals to explore how location affects life expectancy. Nature’s healing power is no secret. Still, this study adds strong evidence that proximity to ocean water matters more than we thought.
Blue Spaces Are Good—But Coastal Blue Spaces Are Better
Earlier research had shown that “blue spaces” like lakes, rivers, and oceans are linked to better mental and physical health. Nonetheless, this new study dug deeper to examine whether all blue spaces equally impact lifespan—and found they do not.
Surprisingly, people living near urban inland water bodies like rivers and lakes actually had shorter-than-average life expectancy. In contrast, those near the ocean lived longer lives. Researchers accounted for variables like income, urban density, and weather.
Living Near the Ocean Linked to an Extra Year of Life
Coastal residents live an average of one year longer than the general population. The general population averages around 79 years. Meanwhile, people in urban areas near inland water sources typically lived about one year less, averaging around 78 years.
This finding highlights that not all water-adjacent locations provide equal health benefits, and urban inland blue spaces may carry disadvantages. Researchers emphasize that these are associations, not direct causes, but the pattern is too clear to ignore.
Why Coastal Living May Lead to Longer Life
So, what makes coastal environments so special for promoting longevity compared to other water-adjacent areas? The researchers point to several possible factors: milder temperatures, cleaner air, better recreational access, and higher socioeconomic status.
Coastal regions tend to have fewer extremely hot or cold days, making them easier climates for aging adults to navigate healthily. They also offer more opportunities for outdoor activities. Engaging in walking, swimming, or simply spending time in nature are all known to boost health.
The Role of Socioeconomic Factors in Lifespan
It’s no secret that homes near the ocean are often more expensive than properties farther inland, especially in cities. This means that people who live near the coast may also have higher incomes, which often correlates with better healthcare access and nutrition.
This introduces a socioeconomic element that may partly explain the longer lifespans of coastal residents, the researchers suggest. Yet, even after adjusting for income differences, the benefits of coastal living remained statistically significant.
Living Near Inland Waters Isn’t Always a Lifespan Advantage
While being near water often boosts wellbeing, the type of blue space and its setting clearly make a difference in health outcomes. The researchers found that urban inland areas near rivers and lakes were associated with lower life expectancy.
Why would this be the case? The study authors suggest that these locations may come with more pollution, urban stressors, and flooding risks. These negative environmental conditions could cancel out any psychological or recreational benefits of living near water in a city.
Rural Inland Water Areas Show Mild Longevity Benefits
Living near inland water in rural settings seems to offer some benefit to lifespan. However, the benefit is not as significant as coastal areas. This suggests that environmental quality—not just the presence of water—plays a key role in supporting long-term health.
Rural areas often have cleaner air. There is less traffic noise. The more natural surroundings support both mental health and physical activity. Still, these areas didn’t match the longevity boost of coastal living, reinforcing the ocean’s unique influence on human health.
Nature, Wellness, and Lifespan: Connecting the Dots
The findings reinforce growing evidence that time spent in natural settings, especially near water, has real, measurable health benefits. Spending time outdoors reduces stress hormones, lowers blood pressure, and improves mood—all of which can add years to one’s life.
By showing that not all nature is created equal, this study encourages researchers to look closer at the environments we choose to live in. For policymakers and city planners, the results may also inspire urban redesigns that bring the benefits of nature to more people.
Other Lifespan-Boosting Strategies to Combine with Coastal Living
While moving to the coast is not feasible for everyone, it’s important to remember other proven methods for increasing life expectancy:
- Maintain strong social connections with friends and family.
- Avoid smoking and stay physically active every day.
- Eat a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats.
- Sleep well and manage stress with mindfulness or hobbies.
- Drink coffee or tea in moderation, as some studies link them to longevity.
These habits, combined with the natural advantages of coastal environments, create the best foundation for a long and healthy life.
Study Limitations and Areas for Future Research
The study does not establish cause-and-effect between location and lifespan—it only shows a statistical association worth further exploration. The data was observational and doesn’t account for individual health habits, medical histories, or specific local policies.
Future research may look deeper into how air quality, housing conditions, community safety, and even noise levels shape health outcomes. It may also explore how different types of coastal settings—urban, rural, or suburban—affect people of various ages and demographics.
Living Near the Sea May Help You Live Longer
Science continues to show us that where you live matters—not just for lifestyle, but for how long you actually live. This new research suggests that living near the ocean can give you a notable longevity boost, especially compared to inland city life. Whether due to cleaner air, milder temperatures, or better access to recreation, the sea might be one of nature’s best life extenders. If you’re planning a move and care about long-term health, the coast might just be the smartest destination on your map.
