A pioneering study published in Environmental Research reveals that proximity to coastal waters can extend life expectancy, while living near inland water bodies may have mixed or even negative effects depending on whether the area is urban or rural.
Life expectancy is shaped by many factors including income, healthcare access, and environmental quality. While the benefits of green spaces have been well documented, researchers are increasingly focused on “blue spaces” — natural water bodies like oceans, lakes, and rivers — and their role in health. Coastal environments typically offer cooler temperatures, cleaner air, and ample opportunities for outdoor activity, all contributing to well-being. Yet, until now, there has been little direct evidence on how living near different types of water influences longevity.
Analyzing data from over 66,000 U.S. census tracts between 2010 and 2015, researchers measured life expectancy alongside proximity to coastal waters and large inland water bodies. They combined this with environmental data such as air pollution levels, temperature extremes, drought risk, and socioeconomic factors like income and demographics.
Advanced statistical methods accounted for geographic and urban-rural differences to isolate the true impact of water proximity on lifespan.
The national average life expectancy was 78.3 years. Living within 50 kilometers of coastal waters was associated with a significant increase in longevity. In contrast, large inland water bodies were linked to lower life expectancy overall. Notably, the effect of inland waters differed by community type: they reduced longevity in urban areas but increased it in rural ones.
Coastal regions benefit from milder climates, fewer hot days, better air quality, flatter terrain, and higher average incomes — all factors supporting longer life. Urban inland areas tend to face greater pollution and flood risks, while rural inland residents may gain health benefits from natural resources and open space.
This study highlights that blue spaces are not universally beneficial or harmful; context matters. Coastal living offers clear health advantages, but inland waters require nuanced consideration, especially in urban development.
Policymakers and city planners can use these insights to design healthier communities, tailoring green and blue space integration according to local environments to reduce health disparities.
