There are five levels of wealth across the globe and with one exception statistically the richer you are the longer you live. The poorest of people I call the abject poor who do not have enough to eat . They are unlikely to have access to work and will die from starvation and associated medical conditions.
The next group are the the surviving poor. They have too much work and will slave away for 16 hours a day often under terrible conditions. They do not have access to healthcare or education and although have enough to eat their work load will lower their longevity often dying from exhaustion . They will however have access to killer substances like alcohol , nicotine and rubbish food which will lower their life span still further.
The next group is the middle class who have access to education and healthcare. They will have more time to devote to looking after themselves but will be unable to live where they want due to crippling house prices and rent. They are at risk from environmentally toxic air where they are trapped in big cities and this will be problematic. However there is a balancing act as they are probably educated about good food effective exercise etc. which reduces their environmental risk.
The next group are the financially independent who are at the top of the longevity tree. They are in work that gives them opportunities for self preservation. Their earnings and investments buy them an education where they learn how to thrive in society. They have time to exercise are able to live in a healthy environment and often have private healthcare where they can be seen promptly following any medical concerns.
The final group are the super rich the multi millionaires to the billionaires. Strangely enough they do not live as long as the previous community. They believe their wealth will protect them from self indulgent excesses and feel they always have ” a get out of jail card” due to their fortune. They will often resort to drugs and other substances as their wealth has made them board. They will look for kicks to manage their privileged life and often get killed doing some risky exploit.
So there it is. As you get richer you are more likely to live longer . What do you think?
Peter Bull . ( Author of the Get In Touch Series )