A groundbreaking new study from researchers at The Ohio State University has revealed a striking connection between living near coastal waters and increased life expectancy, raising intriguing questions for urban planning and health outcomes in Thailand. The international research, published in Environmental Research, found that people residing within approximately 30 miles (about 48 kilometers) of an ocean or gulf were likely to live a year or more longer than the US national average, while those living near large inland bodies of water—such as urban rivers and lakes—did not experience the same health boost, and sometimes had even shorter lifespans MedicalXpress.
For Thai readers, this research comes as the nation continuously grapples with health disparities across its regions and a rapidly aging population. With Thailand boasting a vast coastline stretching over 3,200 kilometers, and major population centers from Bangkok to Phuket situated close to the sea, understanding how such “blue spaces” might influence health and longevity is both timely and deeply relevant.
The study analyzed population and life expectancy data from more than 66,000 census tracts across the United States. Its findings were clear: coastal residents were expected to live at least one year longer than those in the overall population, averaging above the U.S. mean of 79 years. Conversely, those in urban settings situated close to rivers or large inland lakes often had the opposite experience, with average lifespans dipping below the national norm. The researchers attribute the coastal advantages to a mixture of factors, such as milder temperatures, improved air quality, increased opportunities for recreation and physical activity, better transportation links, reduced risk of drought, and, notably, higher local incomes.
According to the lead author, an assistant professor of environmental health sciences at The Ohio State University, “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. Coastal areas, especially, offer residents a longevity boost.” A co-author and postdoctoral researcher added, “Pollution, poverty, a dearth of safe spaces for physical activity, and heightened flood risks are likely driving shorter lifespans near urban inland water bodies.”
A critical difference identified by the team was that coastal climates typically feature fewer days of extreme heat and lower average peak temperatures—both notable issues in inland Thailand, where heat waves and poor air quality often plague large cities far from the sea. Previous work has linked “blue space” living not only with longer life but also with better heart health, lower obesity rates, and more frequent physical activity news-medical.net.
For Thailand, where climatic extremes and urban air pollution are growing public health challenges, these results are particularly salient. While the study itself pertains to US data, the mechanisms highlighted—temperature moderation, clean air, recreation opportunities—would resonate for coastal communities in Thailand, such as Chanthaburi, Surat Thani, and Krabi, as well as the tourist hotspots of Phuket and Pattaya. Coastal Thai regions often have the dual advantage of local economies boosted by tourism, generally better air quality than inland industrial hubs, and widespread water-based recreation, which fosters active lifestyles longevity.direct.
Data for Thailand show that national life expectancy has steadily increased, reaching about 76.4 years in 2023 Macrotrends. However, regional disparities persist, with urban and industrialized inland provinces, especially those surrounding Bangkok, experiencing more pronounced air pollution, flooding, and heat events. According to the World Health Organization, while the overall improvement has been substantial—adding more than four years to the national average since 2000—inequalities remain tied to geography, urbanization, and income WHO.
Thailand’s own experience reflects some of the very issues this new research spotlights. For instance, the impact of the 2011 floods in Bangkok and surrounding areas highlighted how urban waterways, when poorly managed, can increase the risk of serious health threats and infrastructure crises. Meanwhile, coastal provinces—which are often more focused on tourism and less on heavy industry—tend to report lower pollution levels and higher perceived well-being among residents and visitors alike World Bank.
Thai public health officials—whose policy statements emphasize the importance of environmental quality in protecting the nation’s collective health—have been tracking similar trends. A senior official from the Department of Disease Control has noted, “Coastal provinces generally enjoy better air and climate, which translates to lower rates of certain non-communicable diseases. These are areas where the public enjoys higher physical activity thanks to outdoor recreation and tourism-related lifestyles.”
These health-related findings dovetail with urban planning frameworks in Thailand that now give greater weight to blue and green spaces. Internationally, research on “blue space” supports the idea that proximity to water—whether ocean, river, lake, or even smaller urban features—can buffer city dwellers against urban heat, boost mental health, and promote social connectedness Wikipedia. Thai city-planning experts frequently reference such findings as justification for expanded public waterfronts and community parks, citing benefits such as stress reduction, lower obesity risk, and community building through festivals, markets, and water-based rituals.
The topic also intersects with the Thai concept of “sabai,” a term encompassing holistic well-being, contentment, and health. Coastal living, with its slower pace, communal recreation, and fresh seafood diets, fits this cultural ideal. Local cultural traditions, such as the Loy Krathong festival—where Thais float candles and flowers on rivers, lakes, and the sea—reflect the historical importance of water in fostering spiritual calm and communal harmony.
Looking ahead, the new study serves as a reminder that where Thais live might matter more than previously thought. Urban planners and policymakers face complex trade-offs: while prosperous coastal regions look set to reap greater health benefits, rapid development, pollution, and overcrowding could undermine these gains. At the same time, rural or peri-urban communities that lack safe or clean water-based recreation must be targeted with improved infrastructure and environmental protection.
There is also a need to address the risks of “blue space gentrification”—a phenomenon identified in American and European cities, where improved waterfronts drive up property prices and limit access for low-income residents. Thai experts from leading universities have warned of similar risks as coastal towns modernize and attract investment, potentially reducing access to waterfront benefits for long-standing communities, particularly in smaller fishing enclaves and low-income urban zones.
With climate change driving more severe storms and flooding—an ever-present concern for both coastal and riverine regions in Thailand—resilient urban design becomes paramount. The need for effective mitigation against rising sea levels and increased storm surges means not just making the most of blue space benefits but also preparing for the attendant hazards.
For Thai readers seeking to improve their own well-being, the research suggests several actionable steps:
- Maximize access to blue spaces: Visit local rivers, lakes, and especially coastal areas for physical activity, relaxation, and community events. Even occasional exposure can confer some mental and physical health benefits.
- Advocate for better water management: Work with community leaders to support clean water initiatives, waterfront park development, and recreational infrastructure in neighborhoods, especially those near rivers and lakes.
- Stay informed: Follow government and community updates on water quality, heat alerts, and air pollution levels to make informed decisions about outdoor activity.
- Support sustainable coastal development: Be aware of the consequences of unchecked urbanization on both people and the environment, and support policies that balance development with ecosystem preservation.
Ultimately, living near water—especially the sea—offers a promising path to a longer, healthier life, as underscored by this latest international research. But the benefits are not automatic; they are shaped by social, economic, and environmental policies that must keep the well-being of all Thais at heart.
Sources: MedicalXpress, news-medical.net, longevity.direct, Macrotrends, WHO, Wikipedia, World Bank