Living by the ocean may help you live longer
Researchers from Ohio State University have found that people who live by the ocean tend to live longer than those who don't, especially when compared to those living in urban areas near rivers or lakes.
While many South Africans already seek out coastal properties for lifestyle or leisure, the findings offer scientific backing to the idea that living near the sea could be as beneficial for your health as a balanced diet or regular exercise.
Published in the journal 'Health & Place', the study analysed data from more than 66,000 people, looking specifically at the connection between proximity to bodies of water - referred to as 'blue spaces' - and life expectancy.
The results showed that people living by the coast were expected to live a year or more longer than the average life expectancy of 79.
In contrast, those in urban areas near inland waters had a lower average life expectancy, around 78 years.
Dr Jianyong Wu, an environmental health scientist involved in the research, explained that, '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 researchers were initially surprised by the sharp contrast between coastal living and urban inland living, given previous studies have shown general health benefits associated with all types of blue spaces.
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