Even the richest in the US have a shorter life expectancy than the rich in Europe

2025/04/09 Galarraga Aiestaran, Ana - Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Osasuna
• Berdintasuna
• Etika
• Giza zientziak

Comparing the economic level and life expectancy of the European and US population, Brown University researchers conclude that the life expectancy of the US population is lower than that of the Europeans at all economic levels, even among the richest.

The study followed 73,000 adults aged 50-85 in 2010 for more than 10 years 2010-2022) and published the results in the New England Journal of Medicine. They came from 16 US regions and European countries and, to be comparable, they have taken into account factors such as age, sex, marital status, educational level, residence, chronic diseases, being a smoker... And they have seen that everywhere, the rich have a longer life span than the poor. The difference is more pronounced in the United States, where the gap between the richest and the poorest is also greater.

On the other hand, it has been confirmed that the richest people in the US have a shorter life expectancy than those in Europe. Moreover, they have a life expectancy comparable to that of the poorest Europeans in some countries, such as Germany, France and the Netherlands. In addition, life expectancy in the United States has decreased in recent years.

Thus, the mortality rate of the inhabitants of continental Europe was 40% lower than that of the United States, that of southern Europe was 30% lower, and that of eastern Europe was 5 13-20% lower.

According to the researchers, the study reveals that the rich Americans are not separated from the issues that affect the country: economic inequality, stress, diet, environmental risks. As such, they warn that policies to combat social inequality would benefit everyone, not only the poorest.