A new study has found that times of recession have actually increased overall health, resulting in increased longevity and lower rates of mortality. The study, which focused primarily on the Great Depression, found that between 1929 and 1932 life expectancy shot up by 6.2 years. Between 1920 and 1940, the total difference was 8.8 years.
Taking that into a modern economy, the authors noted, we can see that people are drinking, smoking and eating out less – all behavioral modifications that can help one avoid the negative impact of these choices. If you pair that with reports that claim that people are giving up expensive tennis club and golf course memberships, and taking up inexpensive activities like running, it makes sense that health gets a much greater boost.
There’s no telling if we’‘ll see those changes stick around. However, economists are wary of the hesitation citizens will have to go back to their free-spending ways, so it’s possible that we’ll take better care of ourselves for just a bit longer.
Has the economic meltdown helped you find your way to healthier habits?
