For older Americans, the cost of poverty is 9 years of life, study finds

A new study reveals that low-income Americans over 60 face a nine-year shorter lifespan compared to their wealthier counterparts, highlighting the severe impact of economic inequality on longevity.

• Research conducted by the University of Massachusetts Boston indicates that older Americans living in poverty experience an average mortality rate that results in nine fewer years of life compared to wealthier individuals.
• The longitudinal study examined data from older adults in Arlington County, Virginia, and was supported by findings from the University of Michigan, emphasizing the link between economic inequality and health outcomes.
• This analysis raises urgent concerns about the effects of poverty on aging populations, as older adults under financial strain suffer significantly higher mortality rates than their affluent peers.