Researchers at Ohio State University have found that living near the ocean is linked to longer life expectancy in both urban and rural areas. However, proximity to inland waters may not offer the same benefits.
In a study analyzing 66,000+ communities nationwide, researchers compared life expectancy data from 2010-2015 with proximity to coastal waters and inland water bodies. They found that Americans living within 31 miles of the coast had consistently higher life expectancy rates compared to areas near large inland water bodies.
The difference between coastal and inland water environments is stark. Coastal residents breathe cleaner air, with lower levels of air pollution and wildfire smoke. In contrast, inland water areas averaged 21 scorching days per year with temperatures above 95°F. Additionally, mean household income near coastal waters reached $91,075 compared to just $67,774 near inland water bodies.
However, the impact of inland waters on life expectancy differs in cities and rural areas. Urban areas near large inland water bodies correlate with shorter lifespans due to greater pollution, flood risks, and air quality challenges. In contrast, rural communities near inland waters may benefit from their local blue spaces.
The study highlights the importance of context when evaluating how proximity to water affects health outcomes. Rather than assuming all waterfront living offers the same benefits, Americans might want to consider whether their blue space comes with an ocean breeze or sits inland.
Key factors that contribute to these findings include climate, air quality, elevation, and income. Coastal geography may also provide logistical and health advantages, such as flatter terrain and better transportation access. The study’s results carry serious consequences for public health, emphasizing the need for communities near inland waters to address environmental factors that could be undermining residents’ health and longevity.
While the study has limitations, including the inability to measure actual water quality or track individual interactions with nearby water bodies, it provides robust evidence for the patterns identified. The consistency of results across multiple statistical approaches strengthens confidence in their conclusions.
Source: https://studyfinds.org/living-near-water-shorten-lifespan