Government researchers have found that the more money you have, the longer you will live, according to research comparing this generation to prior generations.
The average net worth of those who are 65 years of age or older has increased by nearly 80 percent of the past twenty years. Since the average life span has grown on an average of nineteen years, people living longer and who have more money are better able to care for themselves.
This is an interesting trend in older Americans. Older Americans seem to be indicators of well being. The improvement of poverty and an increase in education has turned the older generation into a greater life expectancy for Americans overall.
Not only is this good news for the millions of older Americans who are living longer lives, but it is also good news for future generations. It is predicted that in twenty years, the number of Americans over the age of 65 could double in size.
The bad news is that this can all be changed with the rise of
Obesity in America. Obesity is one of the major causes of adult onset
Diabetes and
Heart attack in older Americans. The higher the obesity rates climb, the higher the death rates associated with complication of the obesity. Thus, negating the positive effects of earning a wealthier wage.
There is still a disparity in the demographics for older Americans who are living longer. There is a large gap in income between white Americans and black Americans. The gap has narrowed over the decades, but it is still an issue.
While being wealthy is not the most important aspect to being healthy, it seems to be a large factor in increasing the life expectancy. As older Americans continue to get more wealthy, they will generally live longer. This trend can continue with the improvement of healthcare and those who receive health education. But, even those who are already changing the life expectancy can succumb to the obesity epidemic. And although
Exercise is important to combat obesity, the study shows that active older Americans do not show any great jump in life expectancy.
