Why is money related to positive health

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the relationship between wealth and health, examining various factors that may contribute to observed correlations across different income levels. Participants consider theoretical, empirical, and behavioral aspects of this relationship, including lifestyle choices, socioeconomic status (SES), and psychological impacts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that the correlation between wealth and health persists even after basic needs are met, prompting questions about underlying causes.
  • Links to studies are provided, indicating that lower socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with higher mortality rates and poorer health outcomes across various countries.
  • Some participants suggest that lifestyle factors, such as smoking and diet, may be inversely correlated with wealth, while others argue that these correlations may not hold true at the highest income levels.
  • Psychological factors are proposed as potential contributors to health disparities, with stress being highlighted as a possible mechanism affecting health outcomes.
  • Discussion includes the idea that dietary choices, such as fish consumption, may vary with income and influence health, particularly in older adults.
  • Participants raise the potential impact of television viewing habits on health, suggesting that higher income may correlate with less time spent watching TV.
  • Questions are posed regarding the relationship between dental spending and health outcomes, indicating a desire for further exploration of this topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that there is a correlation between SES and health, but the reasons for this correlation remain unclear. Multiple competing views exist regarding the specific factors contributing to health disparities, and the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on various definitions of health and wealth, as well as the complexity of factors influencing health outcomes, which are not fully explored in the discussion.

  • #31
Maybe because they are less stressed in life, more conscious about their body (they notice the slightest change), eat healthier, exercise more... etc. When you are barely making it, you don't care too much about health as much as surviving, and the stress of life can cause mental and physical problems.
 
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  • #32
EngWiPy said:
Maybe because they are less stressed in life, more conscious about their body (they notice the slightest change), eat healthier, exercise more... etc. When you are barely making it, you don't care too much about health as much as surviving, and the stress of life can cause mental and physical problems.

Which is interesting because there are careers that are fiercely competitive and time consuming like investment banking, which clearly have more stressful on the job demands than say working as a burger flipper at McDonalds. But the banker has low worries and good self esteem which could imply that even though the banker has a much more stressful job, the banker is less stressed in life.

Stressful job and overtime? Not a big deal so long as it makes you rich.
 
  • #33
FallenApple said:
Which is interesting because there are careers that are fiercely competitive and time consuming like investment banking, which clearly have more stressful on the job demands than say working as a burger flipper at McDonalds. But the banker has low worries and good self esteem which could imply that even though the banker has a much more stressful job, the banker is less stressed in life.

Stressful job and overtime? Not a big deal so long as it makes you rich.

The people who make less money like the burger flipper in your example, are constantly stressed and anxious to end up in the streets, to not be able to provide for their families, to be evicted from their apartments, ... etc. I think this is somewhat different than the work stress, where you get paid enough money, and live comfortably, but work long hours. They are both stresses in life, but are at different levels. Besides, this is only one factor. Not eating healthy because healthy food is usually more expensive, and not having an adequate health care insurance, which makes people ignore their early symptoms to avoid paying "extra" money on their health, contribute to this as well.
 
  • #34
EngWiPy said:
The people who make less money like the burger flipper in your example, are constantly stressed and anxious to end up in the streets, to not be able to provide for their families, to be evicted from their apartments, ... etc. I think this is somewhat different than the work stress, where you get paid enough money, and live comfortably, but work long hours. They are both stresses in life, but are at different levels. Besides, this is only one factor. Not eating healthy because healthy food is usually more expensive, and not having an adequate health care insurance, which makes people ignore their early symptoms to avoid paying "extra" money on their health, contribute to this as well.

Not only fear and lack of healthcare, but also self esteem too. Being poor makes one feel like a loser, which can result in severe psychological issues. Famous psychologist, Jordon Peterson has mentioned that being low in the social hierarchy results in lower serotonin levels and that is merely an artifact of millions of years of evolution.



Thus, say a poor person remains proactive in making health conscious decisions, avoiding alcohol and cigarettes, and frequently exercises, all in an attempt to not have to make frequent visits to the doctor by trying to prevent health problems before they start. So problem solved? No, not even close. They will still have an obliterated self esteem and low serotonin levels and this alone would derail their health.
 
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