We already know plenty of ways to boost your chances of living longer: eat your vegetables, get enough sleep, skip the cigarettes, and stay connected with friends. But new research suggests one more thing to add to the list—live by the ocean. And if you already do? Lucky you. You might just outlast the rest of us.
A recent Ohio State University study followed over 66,000 people, comparing lifespan to how close they lived to water. Coastal residents were more likely to live past the U.S. average of 79 years. Those near lakes or rivers—especially in cities—didn’t see the same benefits, often dying slightly younger.
“Coastal residents were expected to live a year or more longer,” said environmental health scientist Jianyong Wu. “Those in urban areas near inland rivers or lakes lived to about 78, on average.”
Why Does the Ocean Seem to Add Years to Life?
Researchers don’t know for sure. It could be cleaner air, gentler weather, or easier access to outdoor activities. Coastal communities also tend to have higher incomes, which can improve health outcomes—but that alone doesn’t explain the difference.
One surprise: not all water is equal. Rural areas near lakes or rivers offered a small bump in life expectancy, but in urban settings, inland water made no difference—or possibly even lowered lifespan. Pollution, poverty, flooding risks, and lack of safe spaces likely offset any benefits.
“We were surprised to see such a clear gap between coastal waters and inland waters,” Wu noted. The team expected all “blue spaces” to help, but the ocean’s effect was stronger, and they don’t fully know why. Maybe it’s the salt air, the sound of waves, or a slower pace of life.
For now, the reason remains a mystery—just one more excuse to dream about that house by the sea, and another reminder of how nature shapes us in ways science still can’t fully explain.
