Study: Even richest Americans face shorter lifespans than European counterparts

And even worse:<p><i>The researchers also highlighted a “survivor effect” in the U.S., where poorer individuals with worse health outcomes were more likely to die earlier, leaving behind a population that is healthier and wealthier as age groups progress. This creates the illusion that wealth inequality decreases over time, when in reality it’s partly due to the early deaths of the poorest Americans.<p>“Our previous work has shown that while wealth inequality narrows after 65 across the U.S. and Europe, in the U.S. it narrows because the poorest Americans die sooner and in greater proportion,” Papanicolas said.</i>

I wonder how much this effect is due to lifetyle (e.g. diet) and how much is due to preventative healthcare? Certainly poorer people in the U.S. would be less likely to see a doctor due to the substantial costs involved and thus not get early treatment for preventable diseases.

It&#x27;s surprising, in that I always understood the most expensive and revolutionary treatments are available in the US on top insurance, but generally less so in Europe (not totally unavailable though).<p>Apparently even that doesn&#x27;t help.

I don&#x27;t think Europeans feel quite so driven to acquire wealth or feel so much that they have failed if they don&#x27;t. It is the key to American financial success, but probably not good for you.