Living by the sea might have more to offer to its residents than an endless supply of fish and chips accompanied with arcade games and sandy beach walks.
In fact, new findings suggest that an individual’s proximity to ocean air could add years to your life.
The study, published in science journal Environmental Research, found that those residing in coastal regions have life expectancies a year or more above the US average.
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Ocean air has been found to boost longevity
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Meanwhile, city-dwellers who live by a river were found to not reap the same waterside benefits.
Led by Ohio State University, analysis of more than 66,000 census tracts across America was compared based on proximity to water.
"Overall, the coastal residents were expected to live a year or more longer than the 79-year average, and those who lived in more urban areas near inland rivers and lakes were likely to die by about 78 or so,” lead researcher Jianyong "Jamie" Wu said.
“The coastal residents probably live longer due to a variety of intertwined factors."
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Factors ranging from milder temperatures, better air quality, better transport and higher incomes were all reasons which could contribute to a longer life expectancy.
Additionally, increased opportunity to engage in recreational activities was another factor to consider, the study suggested.
"On the other side, pollution, poverty, lack of safe opportunities to be physically active and an increased risk of flooding are likely drivers of these differences," researcher Yanni Cao said.
Mr Wu was first driven to study the impact of living in coastal regions after previous research discovered that there was a link between living by the seaside and better health, such as lower obesity rates, for instance.
Those living in coastal regions have a longer life expectancy
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"We thought it was possible that any type of 'blue space' would offer some beneficial effects, and 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,” Mr Wu added.
"We found a clear difference -- in coastal areas, people are living longer.”
Ms Cao suggested that this study could be used as a springboard for future comparisons with blue space and longevity in other wealthy nations.