Kristi King, wtop.com
WASHINGTON – Money can’t buy love, but it might give you a longer life.
The life expectancy gap between the rich and poor is growing according to data published by the Longevity Science Advisory Panel based in the United Kingdom.
Tracking longevity from age 65, the study finds people in the highest socio-economic group live a total of nearly 84 years, which is up to three and a half years longer than those in the lowest group.
The panel explains the disparity in data by showing less affluent people smoke more, have higher obesity rates and get fewer health screenings.
Smart Money says similar trends are happening in the U.S.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average life expectancy in the U.S. is 78-years-old compared to 79.6 years in the U.K.
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