The Impact of Zip Code on Life Expectancy

Oct 6, 2024

Lecture Notes: Impact of Zip Code on Life Expectancy

Key Question

  • What determines how long we'll live?
    • Is it what we do?
    • Is it who we are?
    • Is it our ZIP code?

Main Idea

  • Your ZIP code can be a more accurate predictor of life expectancy than your genetic code.

Case Study: Deb and Maria

  • Similarities:
    • Both have jobs, around the same age, married, with two kids.
    • Deb lives in A-town, Maria in Beville, less than 1 mile apart.
  • Life Expectancy Disparity:
    • Residents of Beville tend to die 15 years sooner than those in A-town.

Factors Influencing Health and Longevity

  • A-town Advantages:
    • Access to healthy food: farmers markets, specialty shops.
    • Clean air, safe parks.
    • Quality public schools and healthcare.
  • Beville Disadvantages:
    • Poor infrastructure: broken sidewalks, unsafe parks.
    • Air pollution from highway traffic.
    • Limited food options: liquor stores, fast food.
    • Overcrowded, underfunded schools.
    • Transportation issues for better schooling.

Impact of Chronic Stress

  • Chronic stress is a significant health risk in Beville, affecting conditions like obesity, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease.

Historical Context

  • Racial and Economic Discrimination:
    • Historically marginalized communities pushed to less desirable areas.
    • Decline in investment: banks, businesses, and schools.

Broader Impacts

  • Inequality affects not just local communities but national health statistics.
  • Countries with high income inequality see lower life expectancies.
  • The U.S. ranks 43rd in global life expectancy.

Conclusion

  • Health Risk: Inequality is a significant health risk for everyone.
  • Call to Action:
    • Need to change odds for everyone, not just help disadvantaged individuals.
  • Movement in California:
    • Building a more inclusive and equitable state.
    • Invitation to join the movement for healthier communities.

Resources