Living near the ocean may actually help people live longer. A new study found that people in coastal regions enjoy life expectancies a year or more above the US average, while city dwellers near inland rivers and lakes may face shorter lifespans. The findings reveal that not all “blue spaces” are equal, challenging assumptions that any water view brings health benefits, according to the authors.

Researchers from The Ohio State University analyzed population data -- including life expectancy -- in more than 66,000 census tracts throughout the United States and compared the data based on proximity to waterways. A correlation between longer life expectancy and water was clear for those who live within about 30 miles of an ocean or gulf. But for those who live in urban settings and near an inland body of water larger than 4 square miles, the opposite was true. Rural residents who live near water may also reap some lifespan advantages, according to the research.

"Overall, the coastal residents were expected to live a year or more longer than the 79-year average, and those who lived in more urban areas near inland rivers and lakes were likely to die by about 78 or so. The coastal residents probably live longer due to a variety of intertwined factors," said lead researcher Jianyong "Jamie" Wu, PhD.

"We thought it was possible that any type of 'blue space' would offer some beneficial effects, and we were surprised to find such a significant and clear difference between those who live near coastal waters and those who live near inland waters," he added.

Researchers suggest the difference comes from environmental and social factors—cleaner air, cooler summers, recreation opportunities, and higher incomes near the coasts versus pollution, poverty, and flood risks inland.

The most critical difference the researchers found is that coastal areas experience fewer hot days and lower maximum temperatures compared to inland water areas.

To download the full study, published in Environmental Research, click here