Poor New Yorkers Have A Longer Life Span Than Other Americans

Penniless New Yorkers live longer than impoverished inhabitants of other American cities, a new detailed research suggested.

The findings may appear surprising because NYC is considered to be one of the most expensive cities in the world, with unequal opportunities for the poor to find affordable housing, or the time and money required to look after themselves.

The JAMA research, however, found out that despite the gap between the lifestyle of its rich and poor inhabitants, New York is a model city whose cumulative numerous factors result in a longer life span. The affluent city has a high tax base, and the local government puts in a lot of money on social services for low income residents. In addition, it has low rates of smoking. A major chunk of the population consists of immigrants, and it has been suggested that they tend to be healthier compared to native born Americans.

Apart from this, the city also has its share of pro-health policies and amenities that help in promoting good health such as strict anti-tobacco agendas, ban on trans-fat, as well as a fair share of walkable sidewalks. As per the report, longevity is related more on healthy habits than access to medical care, because there is a correlation between a shorter lifespan and being obese or a smoker.

"There remains this misconception in our society that health is determined by health care," said Dr. Steven Woolf, professor and director of the Center on Society and Health at Virginia Commonwealth University. "Behaviors have a huge influence on health outcomes."

According to the research, NYC may not be the best place for impoverished children to get equal opportunities on the economic front; however the residents in the low income group have access to a healthier lifestyle that leads to a longer life span, as compared to the poor residents of other cities in U.S.