Health · Public Health & Disease · 1 day ago
Wealth is linked to large gaps in life expectancy
People with less money tend to live shorter lives, on average.
The gap appears even in wealthy countries with extensive welfare systems.
In Norway, men aged 40 in the richest 1% can expect to live almost 14 years longer than men in the poorest 1%.
In the United States, the equivalent difference is nearly 15 years.
These figures show how strongly life expectancy can vary with economic circumstances.
A 2025 World Health Organization report warned that the world is likely to miss its targets for reducing health inequalities by 2040.
The figures do not say what action will be taken next.
People’s wealth is linked to how long they live, with poorer people tending to have shorter lives on average.
The gap can be seen even in wealthy countries with extensive welfare systems.
In Norway, men aged 40 in the richest 1% could expect to live almost 14 years longer than those in the poorest 1%.
In the United States, the equivalent life expectancy gap is nearly 15 years.
A 2025 World Health Organization report warned that international targets for reducing health inequalities by 2040 are likely to be missed.
- Who
- People across different wealth levels, including 40-year-old men in Norway and the United States.
- What
- Wealth is linked to large gaps in life expectancy.
- When
- The article was published on October 10, 2026; the comparisons concern 40-year-old men.
- Where
- Norway and the United States are cited as examples.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
No direct quotes in the coverage so far.
A World Health Organization report warned that international targets for reducing health inequalities by 2040 are likely to be missed.
Medical Xpress published the article on wealth and life expectancy.
- Norway
- Men aged 40 in the richest 1% could expect to live almost 14 years longer than those in the poorest 1%.
- United States
- The equivalent life expectancy gap is nearly 15 years.
- WHO report
- Published in 2025; warned targets to reduce health inequalities by 2040 were likely to be missed.
Sources
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