Research shows that rural Americans, especially men, have shorter and less healthy lives compared to those living in cities. A recent study in the Journal of Rural Health highlights that a 60-year-old man in a rural area is expected to live about two years less than his urban counterpart. For women, the gap is around six months.
This disparity largely stems from higher rates of smoking, obesity, and chronic diseases like high blood pressure and heart disease within rural populations. These health issues are leading many to live with disabilities and reduced lifespans.
Moreover, people in rural areas often struggle to access medical care. They face challenges such as a lack of doctors, long travel times to get treatment, and insufficient public health investments. These problems are often linked to declining economic opportunities in these regions.
Our research team used a method called the Future Elderly Model. This model helped us simulate the life expectancy and quality of life for 60-year-olds living in both urban and rural settings. It was based on data from the Health and Retirement Study, which tracks people from age 51 onward.
We refer to the conditions impacting these rural residents as “diseases of despair.” The term, popularized by researchers, relates to rising mortality rates among less-educated Americans, linking these deaths to diminishing social and economic prospects.
The major causes of these “diseases of despair” include drug overdoses, liver disease, and suicide. Our findings suggest that chronic diseases, including heart disease, are similarly influenced by economic and social factors. Poor health can significantly lower quality of life.
If rural education levels matched those in cities, nearly half of the life expectancy gap could close. Currently, 65% of urban residents aged 60 have education beyond high school, while only 53% of their rural peers do.
Having a higher education may encourage individuals to follow health guidelines more closely, like exercising regularly and eating healthier.
Economically, the gap in health outcomes between urban and rural areas is growing. It also reflects broader divides in education and lifestyle among U.S. citizens. People in rural areas often express resentment towards economic forces that have weakened their communities. The lack of understanding around how economic health impacts physical health can further perpetuate inequalities.
Economic hardship can lead to chronic health issues, contributing to a cycle of poor health and worsening living conditions. Conversely, health problems can cause financial strain through high medical costs and lost income, reinforcing this cycle.
While our results show average trends, the rural population is diverse. Many rural residents lead active, healthy lives, and the impact of location on health continues to be explored. By studying these issues, we aim to find ways to improve health for all Americans, no matter where they live.
