Who lives longer – the rich or the poor? What is the main secret and does it depend on finances?

analytical psychologist, psychosomatotherapist, coach

The level of income and wealth undoubtedly affects health. If statistics are to be believed, wealthier people do live longer. But is it just about their money?

According to neurobiologist and Stanford University professor Robert Sapolsky (book “Who Are We? Genes, Our Body, Society”), genetics determines life expectancy by only 30%. The other 70% depends on socioeconomic factors, including financial status.

Nevertheless, studies show that wealth does not automatically lead to longevity. Yes, wealthy people have access to high-tech medical care. They also have more opportunities to eat right and exercise. However, this only partially explains the gap. Those with low incomes often have chronic stress, and this is a very serious point.

In addition to material wealth, our health is strongly linked to our psychological attitudes. The belief that we are in control of our lives and are able to influence events has a positive effect on it. Yes, high income contributes to the presence of such a state, but it is achievable without it.

Also, the feeling of connection with other people and society as a whole protects from stress and illness. A feeling of loneliness, powerlessness and passivity, on the contrary, is associated with higher mortality and morbidity rates.

What conclusion do we draw? Developing positive psychological traits such as optimism, resilience, and self-belief can contribute to better health regardless of income and material conditions. And while financial affluence improves access to medicine, the deciding factor in prolonging life is still a person’s internal attitudes.

Creating the right attitude in life is a task that we can accomplish regardless of our income and wealth. Therefore, the ability to be optimistic, to feel one’s own importance and connection with other people are important in achieving longevity.

Let’s look at all the factors described above in more detail. This will help to “pump up” your potential and increase your chances for a long and happy life.

How does all of this work?

1- Despair and powerlessness make people vulnerable to illness. When we see ourselves as victims of circumstances, we lose control of our behavior and health. A positive mindset encourages us to make health-promoting choices in spite of hardship.

2. Social support is crucial. A sense of belonging to a larger community (family, friends, community) reduces stress and anxiety, which in turn benefits immunity and longevity.

3. A healthy lifestyle, balanced diet and physical activity are as important for longevity as medical care. It is necessary to keep in focus all possible options for wellness: walking outdoors, visiting sports grounds, hardening and practices to restore emotional balance.

4. Material challenges can both destroy health and build character. Often new challenges in life build endurance, the ability to adapt to situations and capitalize on available resources. These qualities are more valuable for achieving longevity than wealth.

Longevity is determined by a complex interaction between psychological, social and material factors. Rethinking our attitude to many things makes us more resilient even in the presence of serious resource constraints.

What is the main key to longevity? It seems that it is not the increase of finances, but the development of optimism and positive psychological attitudes.