Midlife ‘wealth shock’ could lead to an early death, study suggests
The findings suggest a wealth shock is as dangerous as a new diagnosis of heart disease
A big financial loss may shorten your life, a new study suggests.
Middle-aged Americans who experienced a sudden, large economic blow were more likely to die during the following years than those who didn’t.
The heightened danger of death after a devastating loss, which researchers called a “wealth shock”, crossed socio-economic lines, affecting people no matter how much money they had to start.
The analysis of nearly 9,000 people’s experiences underscores well-known connections between money and well-being, with prior studies linking lower incomes and rising income inequality with more chronic disease and shorter life expectancy.
“This is really a story about everybody,” said lead researcher Lindsay Pool of Northwestern University’s medical school. Stress, delays in health care, substance abuse and suicides may contribute, she said.
“Policymakers should pay attention.”