Survey: Americans Prioritize Health in Pursuit of Longevity
A majority of Americans prefer a shorter, healthier life over a longer life with health issues, according to a recent survey conducted by Medtronic and Morning Consult.
In a poll of 2,200 American adults, Medtronic and Morning Consult inquired about their preferences regarding longevity. Surprisingly, 66% of the participants opted for a shorter life that is free of significant health issues rather than a longer life with health concerns.
The survey results shed light on the evolving definition of longevity among Americans. It appears that a healthier life, even if relatively shorter, is becoming a primary goal in their pursuit of a long and fulfilling existence.
Concerns Surrounding Longer Lives
The survey also revealed some distressing concerns Americans have about living longer. Approximately 62% expressed worry about the negative impact on their health and the possibility of living in pain. More than half of the participants also feared becoming a burden to their loved ones if they were to live past the typical life expectancy.
Life Expectancy and Anxieties
The average life expectancy in the United States is 73.5 years for men and 79.3 years for women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Despite that, almost 60% of those surveyed doubted they would live to be at least 90 years old.
Additionally, financial concerns and the fear of not being able to spend quality time with loved ones in old age were top concerns regarding a longer life.
Hope in Technological Advancements
Despite these anxieties, 75% of the respondents still held hope that advancements in technology could contribute to healthier and longer lives. This optimism suggests that incorporating technological advancements into their health-focused lifestyles is seen as a means to achieve a longer life without compromising well-being.
Steps Towards a Longer Life
According to the survey, many Americans are taking proactive steps to increase their lifespan. These include maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and actively adopting preventive health measures.
However, one surprising finding was that less than a third of Americans discuss their plans for pursuing longevity with their doctors, with the majority feeling it is unnecessary.
Expert Insights from Dr. Thomas Perls
“Some people think that the older you get, the sicker you get and that they wouldn’t want to live to that age. And that’s actually very flawed reasoning,” says Dr. Thomas Perls, professor of medicine at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and director of the school’s New England Centenarian Study.
“The older you get, the healthier you’ve been.”
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