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Gap in life expectancy widens

Case Management Weekly, March 25, 2008

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New government research shows a widening gap between socio-economic classes for life expectancy, according to an article in The New York Times.

The article says that while life expectancy has increased for the nation as a whole, affluent people have experienced greater gains that have caused an expanding gap, despite government efforts to reduce it.

Researcher Gopal K. Singh, a demographer at the Department of Health and Human Services, says that in 1980-82 the difference in life expectancy between the most affluent group and the most deprived group was 2.8 years. By 1998-2000, the difference had increased to 4.5 years and it continues to grow.

Researchers have suggested, but do not agree upon, many reasons for the widening gap. These suggestions include the likelihood of more affluent and educated people to take advantage of advances in medical technology, to live in safer neighborhoods, to eat healthier diets, to have health insurance, and to be non-smokers.

Source: The New York Times

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