Living near the ocean may not only be good for the soul, but it may also help you live longer.

A new study by researchers at Ohio State University found that people who live about 30 miles from the 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 US census counts. The researchers compared people's average life expectancy based on how close they lived to different types of water bodies: oceans, rivers, lakes, and other inland waterways.

They found that people who live near an ocean or bay tend to live longer. On average, these coastal residents lived more than a year longer than the national average life expectancy of 79 years.

On the other hand, people in cities located near inland water bodies, such as large lakes or rivers, actually had a shorter average life expectancy—typically around 78 years.

Dr. Jianyang "Jamie" Wu, the study's lead author, explained that this difference in life expectancy is likely due to a combination of many factors. People who live in coastal areas often enjoy a cooler, more stable climate, cleaner air, and more opportunities for outdoor activities like walking or swimming.

These areas may also have better public transportation and higher average incomes. All of these factors can help people stay healthier and live longer.

In contrast, urban areas near rivers or lakes may face problems such as higher levels of pollution, poverty, less safe outdoor spaces for exercise, and a greater risk of flooding. These challenges may explain why living near inland water bodies does not 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 are particularly important. Coastal areas typically have fewer extremely hot days and lower maximum temperatures, which can reduce heat-related health problems.

The idea that living near water—also known as "blue space"—is beneficial to health is not new. Earlier studies have shown that people who live near water are more active, have lower levels of obesity, and better heart health.

But this is the first large study to show that the type of water and the environment you live in matter greatly to your lifespan.

Dr. Wu said he was surprised by the size of the difference between coastal and inland residents. "We thought that all types of blue spaces could offer benefits, but it turns out that living on the coast really stands out," he said.

The researchers believe that this study also provides a broader picture of trends in health care. Life expectancy in the US lags behind other rich countries. Cao pointed out that environmental and social conditions — including whether you live near a clean coastline or a polluted river — may be part of the reason for this. | BGNES