“It seems to make us happier.”

In fact, the five blue zones: Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Loma Linda, California, United States; Ikaria, Greece; Nicoya, Costa Rica – are on the water.

While there are various theories as to why this is the case, the end result is clear.

“This may be due to the tranquilizing effect of the water or because the climate is moderate because of the water,” says Buettner. “But it seems to make us happier.”

And happiness isn't the only positive side effect of living by the water. A 2017 systematic review published in BMJ Open found that spending time near coastlines, lakes or rivers can “promote health and well-being and prevent disease.”

Buettner himself lives in Miami Beach and says geography plays a big role in his well-being. But “it’s not so much about the water per se,” he says. Instead, he credits the attractive location and weather with helping him lead a healthy lifestyle.

“I'm looking at the ocean right now, where I swim every day, and the beach where I walk every day,” he tells Make It. “I intentionally chose a place where it is very easy and attractive to do physical activity all year round without really trying.”

He aims to move daily by doing activities he enjoys, including stand-up paddle surfing, or low-intensity exercises like walking.

“The key is not strenuous physical activity: 'no pain, no gain.' The opposite is true,” says Buettner. “When there is no pain, there is gain. Because when there's no pain, you're more likely to do it every day.”

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