Social class increases life expectancy

Nobel laureates live for 2 years longer than those who are nominated but not awarded. The results show that social status has an impact on people's health.

Andrew Oswald economist (Photo: warwick)

Previous research has found a link between social status and health in monkeys. But to find the true relationship in people is difficult because the position in society often brings wealth, helps improve life and good health care.

Two economists Andrew Oswald and Matthew Rablen, at the University of Warwick in the UK, have focused on Nobel laureates because they are the winners who suddenly changed their lives.

The researchers looked at 524 men, including 135 winners and 389 others nominated in Physics and Chemistry awards from 1901 to 1950.

Winners live 1.4 years longer than average. If limited to people in the same country, then the life expectancy gap is greater, increasing by about 8 months.

According to scientists, in fact the prize money does not affect the life expectancy, but the Nobel Prize has significantly improved the health situation of the winners.

MT