29th July 2025

Living near the coast may improve life expectancy

A new study reveals that living within 50 km (31 mi) of the sea may extend lifespan by several months, depending on location – though future climate risks may undermine this advantage.

Researchers continue to uncover more links between our physical environment and how long we live, with new data now showing a clear benefit to coastal living. A study published in Environmental Research has found that people living within 50 km (31 miles) of the ocean shoreline live up to 0.54 years (6½ months) longer, on average, than those farther inland. This estimate comes from a nationwide model covering both urban and rural populations.

Researchers analysed more than 66,000 census tracts, accounting for over 90% of the US population. Even after adjusting for factors such as household income, race, population density, and other demographics, coastal proximity remained a strong predictor of longer life.

In more focused models, the effect varied by setting. Urban coastal neighbourhoods gained 0.39 years (nearly five months), while rural coastal areas saw a smaller yet still meaningful increase of 0.32 years (almost four months). These findings suggest that blue space – defined as visible surface water such as oceans, rivers, or lakes – may offer measurable health benefits across a range of locations. Such environments can reduce stress, encourage physical activity, and provide better air quality.

However, not all blue space appears equally beneficial. Large inland bodies of water – including lakes and reservoirs – showed no consistent positive effect and were sometimes linked to slightly lower life expectancy, particularly in urban areas. The study does not explain this discrepancy, though it may relate to differences in public access, pollution levels, or surrounding infrastructure.

These findings also point to a potential paradox in the years ahead. While coastal living is associated with better health today, climate change is increasing the risks of sea level rise, stronger storms, and erosion. Insurance premiums are already climbing in flood-prone areas, and some regions may face long-term retreat or managed relocation as conditions worsen.

From a futurist perspective, this underscores the need for climate-resilient coastal design. Future communities must balance the wellbeing benefits of blue space with adaptive infrastructure and long-term risk planning. As the climate crisis deepens, ensuring equitable and sustainable access to these life-enhancing environments may become an important public health priority.

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