Recently published research from the Ohio State University College of Public Health suggests a correlation between living longer and calling the Atlantic, Pacific or Gulf coast home.

In its analysis of population data of more than 66,000 census tracts throughout the United States, the research team compared the data, which included life expectancy, based on proximity to waterways, a news release detailed.

Researchers reported a clear link between longer life expectancy and water for residents who live within about 30 miles of an ocean or gulf.

The data illustrated the opposite for individuals in urban settings near an inland body of water larger than 4 square miles, however.

“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,” said Environmental Health Sciences assistant professor Jianyong “Jamie” Wu, lead researcher for the study. “The coastal residents probably live longer due to a variety of intertwined factors.”

Analysis suggested that milder temperatures, better air quality, more opportunities for recreation, better transportation, less susceptibility to drought and higher incomes all could be contributors to a better outlook for coastal residents compared to those who live inland, he added.

OSU postdoctoral researcher Yanni Cao said pollution, poverty, lack of safe opportunities for exercise and an increased risk of flooding likely were drivers for the worse outcome for urban residents living near inland waterways.

According to the release, the most critical difference researchers found was that coastal areas experience fewer hot days and lower maximum temperatures compared to inland water areas.

Spurred on by existing research that linked living near water and better health measures, including higher levels of physical activity, lower obesity rates and improved heart health, Wu contemplated whether there was a link between what he called “blue-space living” and longer lives.

In addition, he wanted to evaluate how such a relationship might differ depending on the type of neighborhood people call home.

“We thought it was possible that any type of blue space would offer some beneficial effects, and we were surprised to find such a significant and clear difference between those who live near coastal waters and those who live near inland waters,” he said. “We found a clear difference — in coastal areas, people are living longer.”

Cao said she was especially curious about how this data might provide insights into the trends in U.S. life expectancy compared to other wealthy nations, noting a sharper decline and a slower rebound in U.S. life expectancy in recent years.

“It’s likely that various social determinants of health, including complex environmental factors, that contribute to health inequities are playing a key role in the differences we saw,” she said.

The study, which was published online in the journal Environmental Research, is the first comprehensive, systematic examination of the relationship between various types of blue space and longevity in the United States, Wu said.

Ria Martins, an Ohio State graduate student in public health, also was a co-author.