Even America's Wealthiest Can't Buy European-Level Longevity

A striking new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals a sobering truth: even the wealthiest Americans only live about as long as the poorest Western Europeans.

The comprehensive research followed over 73,000 adults across the U.S. and Europe from 2010-2022, discovering that while 90% of the richest Northern and Western Europeans survived the study period, only 80% of America's wealthiest did, putting them on par with Europe's poorest citizens.

As researcher Irene Papanicolas notes: "You would think the wealthiest Americans can afford some of the best health care the world has to offer... you would expect they have better, if not equal, mortality to the wealthiest in northern and western Europe."

Yet the data shows otherwise.

This isn't just about access to health care. America outspends other wealthy nations in medical care. The researchers suggest our challenges stem from fundamental lifestyle factors: poor nutrition habits, insufficient physical activity, chronic stress, and fragmented healthcare approaches.

This research underscores what I've observed throughout my career: wealth alone cannot secure optimal healthspan. True wellbeing requires strategic, evidence-based approaches to nutrition, movement, and lifestyle management. With specialized guidance to overcome our systemic health disadvantages, Americans from all walks of like can build sustainable health practices that can extend both lifespan and healthspan.