Living near the sea provides benefits that extend life expectancy, according to research.

Recent research conducted by Ohio State University (United States) has revealed that living near the sea can prolong life expectancy, thanks to the favorable environmental, social, and economic conditions that coastal areas offer.

The findings of this study, published in the journal Environmental Research, highlight the significant difference in life expectancy between coastal residents and those living in inland areas near rivers, lakes, or other bodies of freshwater, where a negative correlation with longevity has been identified.

According to Jianyong Wu, the study’s lead researcher and an assistant professor of Environmental Health Sciences in The Ohio State University College of Public Health, the results are surprising: “We thought it was possible that any type of ‘blue space’ could offer some beneficial effects, and we were surprised to find such a significant and clear difference between those living near coastal waters and those living near inland waters.”

To conduct this study, the researchers analyzed data on life expectancy at birth, estimated in more than 66,000 census tracts in the United States. This information was cross-referenced with environmental, geographic, and sociodemographic data , providing a clear picture of the correlations between proximity to the sea and population longevity.

The benefits of living near the sea are primarily related to factors such as milder temperatures, better air quality, and a lower vulnerability to drought , making coastal areas healthier places to live. Furthermore, these areas offer greater leisure opportunities, better transportation infrastructure, and a generally perceived higher income , factors that contribute to quality of life and, consequently, a longer life expectancy.

One of the study's most revealing findings is the contrast between coastal and inland areas. The researchers explain that the differences in life expectancy are primarily due to environmental and socioeconomic conditions .

Coastal areas are characterized by better air quality, less pollution, and an environment less vulnerable to phenomena such as flooding. On the other hand, inland areas, although close to freshwater bodies, suffer greater exposure to pollution and face more extreme weather conditions that negatively affect the health of residents.

Temperature emerges as one of the most critical factors in the research. Coastal areas have fewer hot days and lower maximum temperatures, which contributes to a better quality of life . "The most critical difference lies in temperatures, as coastal areas experience fewer hot days and lower maximum temperatures compared to inland water areas," the study explains. Furthermore, lower average temperatures and fewer cold days also have a positive impact on the longevity of residents near the sea.

Previous scientific evidence has already shown that both high and low temperature extremes are associated with increased mortality and lower life expectancy. Excessive heat is linked to increased cardiovascular mortality, hypertension, higher mortality rates in the elderly, and increased suicide rates . In contrast, extreme cold is associated with elevated cardiovascular mortality and respiratory diseases, further reinforcing the benefits of living in more temperate climates, such as those near the sea.

Although the study establishes a negative relationship between urban areas near large bodies of inland water and life expectancy, it also highlights that rural areas with large bodies of inland water show a significant positive correlation with greater longevity in their population . This suggests that the environment, air quality, and infrastructure available in coastal urban areas play an important role in health and life expectancy.

With these results, the researchers aim to offer valuable guidance for urban planning and the development of residential spaces that promote longer, healthier lives. They also highlight the importance of ensuring equitable access to the environmental benefits that coastal areas offer , so that more people can enjoy an environment that supports their health.

The Ohio State University study highlights the need to integrate environmental and socioeconomic factors into decision-making regarding urban planning and the design of future cities , especially those near the coast, to maximize the well-being of their inhabitants.

*This content was rewritten with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on information published by Europa Press, and reviewed by the journalist and an editor.