I found this interesting article about the relationship between income and longevity. We often think that those with higher income would live longer and those with low income would not have a longer life span. It is true, but this article introduces more than that.
"One conclusion from this work, published on Monday in The Journal of the American Medical Association, is that the gap in life spans between rich and poor widened from 2001 to 2014. The top 1 percent in income among American men live 15 years longer than the poorest 1 percent; for women, the gap is 10 years. These rich Americans have gained three years of longevity just in this century. They live longer almost without regard to where they live. Poor Americans had very little gain as a whole, with big differences among different places."
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/04/11/upshot/for-the-poor-geography-is-life-and-death.html
This goes deeper than just life expectancy. If you're wealthy you can live comfortably, get your kids a good education, and apparently live longer no matter where you decide to settle down. For the poor all of these considerations are much more important.
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that stereotypical places that wealthy seniors go to retire have the highest life expectancies. For example south Florida is a stereotypical play people retire. It would be interesting to see all the factors the author used to make this article.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Spencer, and I am not surprised that the wealthy live longer regardless of where they live. I think that wealthy people, no matter where they live, will always have best resources to live very comfortably, give their kids the best education, and have access to the best healthcare and doctors. However, for the less wealthy, who don't have these luxuries, they are much more dependent on close and efficient resources.
ReplyDeleteThis brings back the idea of an article I posted about Social Security. They also stated that the rich tend to live longer and can take more advantage of the government programs. Money goes a long way no matter where you are and in the United States, money can give you good healthcare, a safe house, excellent education, and great retirement. Those without these luxuries will not be able to live as long.
ReplyDeleteThey say money can't buy happiness, but I've always thought it can certainly make things easier. This article apparently shows it can buy you a longer life too. When you think about it, it's not just that the wealthy can afford the best health care; money can also buy you the luxury of more free time, better food, and less stress. Instead of working 2 jobs and scraping by on ramen noodles, a wealthy person can get a full night's sleep, go to the gym, and eat meals prepared by a chef. Over time, the reduced stress, better health care, better food, etc, can all add years and happiness to your life.
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