It may be difficult, but try saving up or earning more wealth by mid-life. You might live longer. Now there is data to back it up.
Not surprisingly to many, researchers at Northwestern University found that people with greater wealth at mid-life tended to live longer. In addition, this association held up even after taking away variables like biology and previous health conditions that could affect one’s ability to earn wealth.
More Wealth, Longer Life
The researchers analyzed the mid-life net worth of 5,400 adults (average age about 47 years) and then their mortality rates 24 years later. They used a database called the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) project. There were also 2,490 siblings and twins in the dataset.
This wealth-longevity connection remained even after the researchers took away variables related to heritable traits or early experiences experienced together in families (like siblings and twins).
Also, the researchers re-analyzed the data to exclude health conditions like cancer and heart disease. These health conditions could impact the ability of a person to accure wealth. Even after this analysis, the wealth-longevity connection remained.
Think Smart About Your Investments
Basically, for folks living from paycheck to paycheck, when they reach mid-life, their life expectancy is likely shorter than their wealthier counterparts. How can we use this data to help people? Maybe from a public policy level, we can try to help people learn how to at least build up savings. This may go a long way for them when they reach mid-life.
This study was published in journal JAMA Health Forum.
TAKE-HOME MESSAGE: The more wealth you can accrue by mid-life, the likely you will live long. It’s time to start thinking smart about your money and investments.
Journal source: JAMA Health Forum
Association of Wealth With Longevity in US Adults at Midlife
