FEATURE: Can Zip-Code Determine Longevity?
Written by Kathryn Savage
You can’t put a price on happiness, and where you live might play a huge roll on your overall well being.
Research led by Lynne Cossman, a Mississippi State research fellow, indicates that the place you live may have a huge impact on your lifespan. Her research indicates that among the worst places to live in America (places with the highest mortality rates), the Mississippi Delta. Appalachia, Coastal Plains along the East Coast and Northern Nevada are top runners. These American regions, when compared to the rest of the nation, demonstrate very high mortality rates.
After reading Cossman's findings I'm left to wonder, if happiness plays a vital role when considering lifespan, what does it take to be happy in your hometown?
For the full article released on the website Science Daily, follow this link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071208165543.htm)
Cossman's research indicates that "Even when considering such other factors as sex, race, socioeconomic standing, and education, location continues to have a major impact on mortality rates."
Ok, but what does it take to be happy? What makes us happy in the places we call home?
I am reminded of BlueZones research on the matter. I went into the BlueZones blog archives and found this relevant entry made by Dan on February 14th:
"IF YOU'RE UNHAPPY, MOVE – Where you live has a bigger impact on your happiness than your marital status, income, or even education level. If you are not happy where you are, consider moving. World-wide studies show that the happiest places on earth are not tropical islands but place where you feel secure, people around you have the same level of status as you do and it's easy to find a job that is interesting."
How does this tie in with Cossman’s research? Cossman's research, which occurred over the course of 50 years, led by Mississippi State University, "examined the social, economic, political, human resource, and social-environmental challenges facing the state, nation and world."
Cossman suggests that this research can be viewed as a tool for policymakers when deciding where to send resources. Regions referred to as "unhealthy" may be improved if they are viewed as great targets for better healthcare and economic reform.
Health and Happiness
Both Cossman's findings and BlueZones findings point to the same key selling points when considering what makes people happy with the places they call home.
In Conclusion
Next time you are contemplating a move, make sure in addition to neighborhood schools, nightlife scene, taxes and population size you add access to quality care, access to friends, interesting jobs and being surrounded by people of similar social status to your list of what to scope for! You'll be sure to find a great place to live where happiness surrounds you, literally!
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