It will be the sea air. Or maybe the relaxed rhythms, the noise of the ocean, the milder climate. As it is, living near the sea would seem like a cure -all for health. An authentic tonic, capable of lengthening the life expectancy of those who reside in the coastal areas. Or at least, this is what emerges from a study by Ohio State University, published in the magazine Environmental Research.
Previously, several research had identified a beneficial effect of the marine environment on health, physical and psychological. In the new study, the American researchers have decided to investigate, more precisely, the relationship between living by the sea and life expectancy. To do this, they used the data of 66 thousand people, associating for each one the place of residence and the age with death, and trying to decode the elements, not only geographical but also socio -economic, which can influence it.
The results confirmed the hypothesis of a positive effect of life along the coasts, but only if we speak of coastal coastal. Inhabited in rural areas near lakes or rivers, in fact, would have a life expectancy just above average. While living in the city located along rivers or freshwater mirrors even seems to have the opposite effect.
“In general, the residents of the coastal areas can expect to live a year or two more than the 79 -year -old standard life expectancy,” explains the environmental health expert Jianyong Wu, of the Ohio State University. “Those who live in the urban areas that arise near rivers and lakes in the hinterland instead have a life expectancy of about 78 years”.
The beneficial effect of life near the sea
The research obviously cannot demonstrate the existence of a causal link between living along the coasts and the extension of the life expectancy. But it is a plausible conclusion since, as we said, scientific literature is full of studies that identify a beneficial effect of life near the sea on health. Among the possible explanations of this phenomenon, the authors of the study cite the fact that the coastal areas tend to have less particularly hot days, and cold, compared to the hinterland. A better air quality. And more opportunities to have fun and spend time outdoors. All characteristics that positively affect the health and duration of life.
It is not clear, however, because rivers and lakes provide minor benefits compared to the sea. “We thought it was realistic to imagine that every type of water mirror provided some beneficial effects – admits Wu – and we were therefore surprised to find such clear and significant differences between those who live near the coastal waters and those who live instead of the farmhouse in the hinterland”.