Health and genetics are not the only factors that can affect life expectancy. Do you know that retirement location plays an important role too? Where you reside can have a large causal impact on your lifespan according to research done. The data of the research includes information on how a particular location can affect the mortality rate at and after the age of 65 years old. Continue reading the post below to find out more.
Factors Impacting Lifespan
Several factors have emerged from the research that show a positive correlation to reaching age 100. The factors include marital status, race, gender, education level, and location.
Marital Status
One surprising finding from the study showed that people who were never married, separated/divorced, or widowed at the time of their death were more likely to live to 100 years old or longer as compared to those who were married. Being widowed seemed to give the greatest benefit.
Gender and Race
Being female was found to be significantly linked to reaching age 100 among participants of the research. This is a common finding in various studies done both locally and across the globe. Theories for this gender difference extend from the social differences to biological to environmental factors like healthy lifestyle choices.
Caucasians were also found to have a higher chance of reaching centenarian status whereas African-Americans have a higher mortality rate as compared to white Americans of all ages. For Asians/Pacific Islanders and Hispanics, they have lower mortality rates as compared to Caucasians of all ages.
Education Level
The study showed that individuals with a high school diploma or university degree were more likely to live to 100 years old as compared to those with no high school diploma. Results from other studies also found higher education is greatly linked to increased longevity. Greater academic accomplishment often translates to better job opportunities, higher income, and healthier lifestyle choices that are tied to a longer life.
Location
The odds of becoming a centenarian were greater for individuals who resided in areas with a high walkability index score. The density of walkable areas, residences, and mixed-use land are all interlinked with increasing walking habits, offering residents in these regions easier access to healthy food, public transit, healthcare, and other essential services. A community’s walkability also improves residents’ physical activity which directly correlates to populations with lower body mass indexes and other health measures. This is vital for older adults who may have decreased mobility or no longer have the capacity to drive themselves to places.
Relocating to an Ideal Retirement Location
If you are looking to relocate to an ideal retirement location that lets you achieve a much more enriching lifestyle in your golden years, find a place that is strategically located near amenities and one that enables you to maximize your active lifestyle. You can easily get out and about to explore nearby vicinities and the different social and recreation opportunities they offer so as to stay physically fit and mentally active. You get to pursue your personal interests while also forging new relationships that support your social health.
