Many of us have dreamed about retiring by the sea — waking up to the sound of the waves, feeling that salty ocean breeze, and spending our golden years soaking up the view.
But it turns out that seaside living may not just soothe the soul — it could actually help you live longer.
According to new research from The Ohio State University, living within a few kilometres of the coast may be linked to a longer life. Researchers analysed population data from more than 66,000 areas across the United States, comparing life expectancy with how close people lived to water.
Their findings, published in Environmental Research, revealed a clear connection between longevity and coastal living. People who lived within about 50 kilometres of the ocean or gulf were expected to live more than a year longer than the national average of 79 years.
Interestingly, the same benefit didn’t extend to those living in big cities near inland lakes or rivers. Urban residents near inland waterways were more likely to have slightly shorter lifespans — around 78 years on average. However, those living in rural areas close to natural water sources still appeared to enjoy a small longevity boost.
“The coastal residents probably live longer due to a variety of intertwined factors,” said lead researcher Jianyong “Jamie” Wu.
Those factors, the researchers suggest, include milder temperatures, cleaner air, better access to recreation, easier transport, fewer droughts, and higher average incomes — all of which combine to make coastal life not only more relaxing, but potentially more rewarding for your health and longevity.
It’s not just your lifespan that may be shaped by where you live — your environment might also influence your cognitive health. Recent research conducted by the University of Southern Queensland revealed that urban residents face a 1.12 times higher likelihood of developing dementia compared to their rural counterparts.
The Changes in the prevalence of dementia in Australia and its association with geographic remoteness study was conducted by PhD student Rezwanul Haque and is the first to establish a link between geographical location and dementia risk.
The research uncovered a rise in dementia rates across the general population, climbing from 0.84 percent to 0.89 percent between 2015 and 2018.
In major cities, the prevalence reached 5,590 cases per 100,000 individuals in 2018, marking an 11 percent uptick from 2015. In contrast, there was a notable 21 percent decrease in dementia cases among those residing in outer regional and remote areas during the same period.
While not everyone can retire to the coast, the findings highlight just how much our surroundings can influence both physical and mental wellbeing. Whether it’s spending more time outdoors, seeking out green spaces, or simply slowing down to enjoy nature — it can all add up to a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life.
IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.
Proudly Australian owned and operated