Numerous studies have shown that individual wealth is linked to life expectancy, with a significant impact similar to that of lifestyle choices like exercise and diet. This relationship is complex, involving factors such as intelligence, education, social status, personality traits, and access to medical services. The exact reasons for this correlation remain unclear, and understanding the mechanisms presents a challenge. Simply redistributing wealth may not be a viable solution without a deeper understanding of these underlying factors.
This cohort study delves into the association between wealth and survival among middle-aged and older adults in the US. The analysis revealed a clear trend of decreased mortality risk with increasing wealth, highlighting the potential impact of wealth distribution on overall longevity. Simulated wealth equalization scenarios demonstrated potential increases in median longevity, emphasizing the significance of wealth distribution in influencing populationwide life expectancy.
