Living next to water could make you live longer: study | CBC News (2024)

New Brunswick

Research has found a correlation between urban dwellers living within 250 metres of water and a reduced mortality rate.

UNB researcher found a 12 to 17 per cent reduction in mortality rate

CBC News

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Living next to water could make you live longer: study | CBC News (1)

A new study suggests people living next to water may live longer lives.

Dan Crouse, a research associate at the University of New Brunswick, discovered a similar correlation with urbanites' proximity to green spaces in a 2017 study. As an ongoing exploration of the health benefits from exposure to natural environments, he turned his attention to "blue spaces."

"There's been an increasing amount of research looking at green space, but a lot less looking at water and living near water," Crouse told Shift New Brunswick.

"A lot of people intuitively know that when you go to the beach or when you have a view of the water, it's relaxing, it's calming and it can reduce stress."

The study

Researchers used data from the 2001 long-form census linked with 11 years' worth of postal code data and the national mortality database as well as mapping data.

Crouse, the lead researcher, saw a 12 to 17 per cent reduced risk of dying for people living within 250 metres ofa body of water compared tothe rest of a city's population.

Living next to water could make you live longer: study | CBC News (2)

"I picked 250 metres as a distance where people might reasonably have a view of the water from their home or their property or when they're out and about in their daily activities," he said.

"They'll be able to hear the water in bed at night, which can be a soothing sound."

The research indicates a benefit — a reduced risk of dying — from living even 500 metres away from water, but once you reach a kilometre, the data shows no difference in the risk of dying compared to the rest of the city.

Crouse's research examined the country's 30 largest cities, which includes Moncton and Halifax. The bodies of water that apply are rivers, lakes and oceans.

Living next to water could make you live longer: study | CBC News (3)

Crouse said it's fair to suggest living near the water is good for your health.

"I'm always reluctant to make a causal statement. It's only one study," he said. "I think it's a very good study design and we did a lot of rigoroussensitivity analysis with the data."

Possible limitations

How long you need to live near water to make a difference — the "dose response" — was not addressed in the study, he said.

The study doesn't account for factors like smoking, diet or lack of exercise — a possible limitation of the study.

"It's possible that people who tend to have healthier behaviours are those that maybe value living in that place," Crouse said. "They may be the ones that choose to live near the water."

Last year, Crouse was part of a team of 11 researchers that looked at the data from 1.3 million people over 11 years to determine how greener environments affect mortality rates in cities across Canada.

They found being around trees and other vegetation reduced the risk of dying from several common causes of death — including cardiovascular and respiratory diseases — by between eight and 12 per cent.

Crouse said a direction he would like to take the ongoing research is to examine that "dose response" as well as differentiating between bodies of water.

"Here, I treated any kind of water as they were all equal, but, as you can imagine, having a view of the ocean is very different than a view of a small interior lake."

With files from Shift New Brunswick

Living next to water could make you live longer: study | CBC News (2024)

FAQs

Living next to water could make you live longer: study | CBC News? ›

The research indicates a benefit — a reduced risk of dying — from living even 500 metres away from water, but once you reach a kilometre, the data shows no difference in the risk of dying compared to the rest of the city. Crouse's research examined the country's 30 largest cities, which includes Moncton and Halifax.

Does living near water make you live longer? ›

Various studies have shown what many have believed for years: living near water and lush vegetation is better for your health. Modern life is extremely busy, noisy, and often exhausting. Coming home to rest and relax in a riverfront property is not only a fantastic way to end the day, it may also help you live longer.

Does living by the ocean increase life expectancy? ›

A recent UK study showed that even discounting factors like age and economic factors, people who live by the sea are healthier than those who live away from the coast. Sea air encourages respiratory health, while sun exposure (with a healthy coating of SPF) is great for getting your daily dose of Vitamin D.

Does water increase life expectancy? ›

Adults who stay well-hydrated appear to be healthier, develop fewer chronic conditions, such as heart and lung disease, and live longer compared to those who may not get sufficient fluids, according to a National Institutes of Health study published in eBioMedicine .

Are people who live near water happier? ›

People who've been shown any sort of water source tend to rate it as pleasing and calming. Lakes, rivers, and even fountains and fish tanks were all shown to have a calming effect on people. But the health benefits of living near water increase as the amount of water increases.

Is living by the water healing? ›

Health Benefits

Water has been shown to lower stress and anxiety, increase well-being and happiness, lower heart and breathing rates, and have a generally healthier lifestyle. Living close to water allows homeowners to maximize its potential benefits, and a thoughtfully-designed community can change your lifestyle.

Is it healthier to live near the ocean? ›

The waves, sand, and ocean breezes are all a picture-perfect way to spend a vacation, bringing relaxation and stress relief almost the instant you begin to smell the salt air. Over time, living near the ocean can improve your health, reducing your risk of obesity, heart disease, and other illnesses.

Are people who live in mountains healthier? ›

As it turns out, along with being thinner, research suggests people worldwide who live at high altitudes have a lower incidence of both cancer and heart disease than folks who live closer to sea level. Note that these studies were done decades ago. We've known the health advantages of high altitude for a long time.

Is salty air good for your lungs? ›

Another study found that patients with lung diseases had improved lung function and decreased sinus pressure after inhaling the ocean air. You don't have to be ill to enjoy the benefits of the salty ocean air; a long walk on the beach always gives a powerful energy boost, making you feel relaxed and fully recharged.

What are the benefits of living by a lake? ›

There are many benefits to living in this type of environment, including improved mental and physical health, lower stress levels, and access to recreational activities. If you're looking for a new place to call home, then living by the lake might be just what you need.

Is water anti-aging? ›

“Decreased body water content is the most common factor that increases serum sodium, which is why the results suggest that staying well hydrated may slow down the aging process and prevent or delay chronic disease.” This research was supported by the Division of Intramural Research at NHLBI.

Does dehydration age you? ›

Adults who aren't sufficiently hydrated may age faster, face a higher risk of chronic diseases and be more likely to die younger than those who stay well-hydrated, according to a new study from the National Institutes of Health.

What is the best drink for longevity? ›

Results: Tea was the best overall beverage for males and females combined; it reduced cardiovascular mortality by 19%. Coffee gave men a substantial mortality advantage, but the same was not true for women.

Is being near water healing? ›

Being around or in water relaxes the mind and calms the senses in a soft and pleasurable way that is unlike most other experiences on this earth. Water's capabilities to engage the senses comfortably, provide relaxation, and relieve stress, are some of its most significant healing powers.

Do people who live near water live longer? ›

A new study suggests people living next to water may live longer lives. Dan Crouse, a research associate at the University of New Brunswick, discovered a similar correlation with urbanites' proximity to green spaces in a 2017 study.

Why is it good to live near water? ›

Research suggests that living near water may have positive effects on mental health, reducing stress levels and promoting overall well-being.

Is it good to live near water? ›

Research suggests that living near water may have positive effects on mental health, reducing stress levels and promoting overall well-being.

What are the benefits of being near water? ›

In fact, being in or near water environments may lead to relaxation, improved social interactions, better brain health, enhanced physical activity, and relief from stress, according to emerging research.

Does water quality affect life expectancy? ›

Drinking water and sanitation have significantly positive impacts on life expectancy as well, and the effect of access to drinking water is substantial implying that 1% increase of this variable increases the life expectancy by 0.21%.

What are the benefits of living near a lake? ›

There are many benefits to living in this type of environment, including improved mental and physical health, lower stress levels, and access to recreational activities. If you're looking for a new place to call home, then living by the lake might be just what you need.

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