Why is money related to positive health

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The correlation between socioeconomic status (SES) and health outcomes is well-documented, with studies indicating that higher income levels are associated with lower rates of health issues such as strokes. This correlation persists across the income spectrum, even after basic health needs are met, suggesting that psychological and lifestyle factors play a significant role. Factors like smoking rates and dietary choices are inversely correlated with wealth, impacting overall health. The reasons behind these disparities remain complex, involving both lifestyle choices and the stress associated with lower SES. Understanding these relationships is crucial for addressing health inequalities and improving public health outcomes.
  • #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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