Want to live longer? Then move to the seaside

If you want to live longer, set up your home close to an ocean—the move could add an extra year to your life.

People living within a mile of an ocean can add a year to the average life expectancy of 79 years, whereas those in urban areas are more likely to live an average of 78 years– even if they are close to a large stretch of water.

Researchers from Ohio State University analysed data from 66 different areas of the US, and based longevity rates to proximity to water, whether it was a lake, river or an ocean.

Those who can afford an ocean-facing home are probably wealthier and enjoy healthier lifestyles, the researchers say, but it could also be something to do with better air quality, and cooler breezes that come off the ocean.

Previous research had suggested that people who lived close to any water lived longer, but the Ohio researchers say the ‘blue water effect’ applies only to the ocean.

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