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Scientific surprise:
The type of bodies of water you live near
may determine your longevity!
In a shocking scientific surprise, a recent study revealed that the type of bodies of water we live near can have a direct impact on life expectancy! While we thought that all forms of nature and water gave us peace and health, the results broke this perception and showed that living near the sea may prolong life, while living near rivers or lakes may not have the same positive effect – and may even be associated with a relatively shorter life.
Study: An in-depth look at big data
- This study was led by a research team from Ohio State University
- which analyzed data from more than 66,000 residential areas in
- the United States. The researchers focused on the relationship between
the type of "water body"
close to the residential area and the average age of the population there.
The concept on which the study was based is known as "blue spaces" (Blue Spaces) which are areas that contain water such as seas, rivers, lakes, or even aqueducts.
Amazing results
Researchers found that people living no more than 30 miles (about 48 kilometers) from sea or Gulf coasts have an average lifespan of about a full year longer than other populations not living close to the sea, with an average lifespan of about 80 years versus the national average of 79 years.
Quite the contrary
the results were negative in urban areas close to large inland bodies of water
- (such as large rivers and lakes larger than 4 square miles).
- Its average life expectancy was only about 78 years
- lower than the national average.
Why does the sea prolong life?
Some may wonder: What makes living near the sea so beneficial?
The study offers some logical explanations:
Temperate climate:
Coastal areas have more stable temperatures
which reduces thermal stress on the body.
Fresh air:
Sea air is usually less polluted than inland city air
reducing the risk of respiratory diseases.
Physical
and recreational activity:
Proximity to beaches encourages exercise walking and meditation.
Better infrastructure and services: Coastal areas are often more developed in terms of services, which contributes to a healthy lifestyle.
Higher income level: Some coastal areas are inhabited by residents with higher income levels, which translates into better health care and healthy nutrition.
Why don't lakes and rivers provide the same benefits?
- The biggest surprise is that proximity to large rivers or lakes does not confer
- the same privileges, and some of these areas have even been associated with a
- shorter life expectancy. The researchers explained this by the following
factors:
High pollution rates: Rivers in some urban areas may be contaminated with industrial waste or sewage.
Flood risk: Many areas near rivers and lakes are at risk of flooding, causing psychological stress and economic and health impacts.
Lack of safe spaces for entertainment: In some cities, river banks are not eligible to receive visitors, but are surrounded by factories or dangerous areas.
Poverty and poor infrastructure: Some areas adjacent to the lakes suffer from poor services, which affects the quality of life and health.
Researchers' statements
- Jianyeong Jimmy Woo
- assistant professor of environmental
- health sciences and study supervisor, says:
"We expected that all types of water spaces might offer health benefits, but the results showed a clear distinctiveness of coastal areas, which was not expected."
A call to rethink urban planning
This study is the first of its kind to analyze the relationship between water body type and longevity on a large scale, opening the door to reconsidering urban planning and service distribution, especially in areas near rivers or lakes.
Researchers call for improving the quality of life in these areas by:
- Strengthening infrastructure.
- Reduce pollution.
- Developing green and safe spaces on the edges of rivers.
- Raising environmental and health awareness among the population.
summary :
Maybe it's time to look at our housing location from a new perspective.
Not all of nature is equal in its impact on health, and the "water" we have long associated with life may have different effects depending on its type and location.
As the sea brings the breeze of long life
rivers and lakes may warn us of unexpected surprises!