Believe It: Rich People Live Longer

A very close friend of mine thinks that I am obsessed with money. While I disagree with this person, let's say they are correct. Is that wrong? Given the scientific evidence, an obsession with money is not necessarily an obsession with material things, but an obsession with living a long, healthy life.

Some time ago, I blogged about a study that showed the less you earn, the more stressed out you are. Now, a more recent study reported by the BBC shows rich people live longer.

The rich aren't just living three or four years longer, but 11 years. That's eleven more years at the beach with your grandkids, eleven more seasons relaxing at the ball park and 11 more years to burn through my millions and millions of dollars. (Which I don't have yet; and am no where close to earning; but a man has to dream, right?) Remember, optimism is one of Forbes' "15 Ways to Live Longer.")

"Lifespan should not be determined by wealth in 2006," said one researcher. He also called on the healthcare industry to "ensure that length of life is more equitable across the UK" with new "ill-health prevention strategies." In the meantime, a good defense against premature death is a nice, fat paycheck.

For the record: Males in the poor Gloasgow City area of the UK lived an average of 69.3 years. Men in the more affluent East Dorset area lived to be 80.8 years old.