A recent American study showed that living near the coasts, such as seas, oceans or bays, is linked to several health benefits that may contribute to prolonging age, compared to housing near internal water bodies, such as lakes and rivers, especially within cities.
Researchers from Ohio State University explained that the study provides a more accurate understanding of the relationship between the natural environment and the average life expected, and contributes to reassessing the role of what is known as “blue spaces” in promoting public health, and the results were published, on Monday, the Environmental Research.
Coastal areas are known to provide a more suitable environment for outdoor physical activity, such as walking and swimming, which enhances physical fitness and reduces stress levels. The coasts are often associated with better air quality and moderate temperatures, which contributes to reducing respiratory problems and heart disease, and this has pushed researchers to ask whether living in these environments has a direct impact over the age.
The study team sought to explore the relationship between the proximity of different types of water bodies, and the death rates between the population, focusing on the differences between the coasts and inner water. The researchers analyzed population data from more than 66,000 population population in the United States, and compared the average age expected according to the proximity of water bodies.
The results showed that the inhabitants of coastal areas live in an average of an additional year compared to the average national age of 79, while this average decreases to about 78 years among the residents of cities near rivers and lakes.
This difference is attributed, according to the team, to overlapping environmental and economic factors, such as moderate climate, improvement of air quality, providing transportation and entertainment facilities, higher income levels, in addition to a decrease in the risk of dehydration in coastal areas.
On the other hand, internal urban areas face challenges that include pollution, the limited green spaces, the increase in the possibility of floods, and the lack of opportunities to practice safe physical activity.
The study indicated that some of the benefits associated with longevity may also include residents of rural areas close to water, albeit to a lesser degree.
The team emphasized that the results highlight the vital role of the geographical location and the type of water surface in identifying the healthy impact, as the lakes and rivers did not show the positive effect related to the coast.
The researchers hope that these data will contribute to directing health policies and urban planning to enhance the quality of life and reduce gaps in public health between different regions.
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