When considering aspects of health and wealth, our attention is often on the inequalities that exist between the two. Jason Q. Purnell stated that In Rochester, New York, there was a resident who expressed a sentiment that holds meaning; “If you want to lower my blood pressure, help me pay my electricity bill.” This statement highlights that there is, however, an excellent relationship that exists between health and wealth that goes beyond just financial access to healthcare. This case study will examine the relationship between health and wealth by exploring the impact of financial stability on mental well-being while also examining the role of good health in financial prosperity. By understanding this relationship, we can understand the importance of addressing disparities, both in health and wealth, within our society.
In the modern world, access to healthcare resources has been considered the biggest determinant of general health among individuals in the United States of America. The major reason that links wealth and wealth is that wealthy people have greater access to healthcare resources compared to their counterparts. This is a crucial factor that helps in the life of individuals, and those with constant access to healthcare resources (wealthy people) usually have better health insurance coverage. With the most comprehensive insurance coverage, wealthy people can afford regular check-ups and engage in preventive care and timely medical interventions. Undoubtedly, wealth significantly contributes to the overall maintenance and improvement of one’s health. Additionally, I would also argue that being wealthy allows individuals to make better lifestyle choices. Economic stability can influence individuals to make beneficial lifestyle decisions. Because of their access to constant funds, they can freely invest in wellness programs, subscribe to gym and fitness memberships, and purchase nutritious meals. Rich people’s financial stability contributes to their better health outcomes in that they can manage their time through leisure activities, work out in gyms at will, and access healthier living surroundings.
Also, being well educated is a plus possession that directly influences an individual’s overall health outcomes. However, in the modern world, accessing quality education is extremely expensive, and not many individuals can afford to attend the most affordable institutions. However, this is never the case with wealthy individuals because they usually attain higher education levels than poor people. The main reason why education is often associated with greater health is that higher education attainment is significantly linked to advanced health literacy, a better understanding of preventive measures, and healthier lifestyle decisions (Tiainen, April 2018). Wealth, therefore, gives wealthy individuals an educational advantage, contributing to the overall healthier lives of wealthy individuals.
Moreover, there are several environmental factors associated with overall healthier outcomes, and wealthy people are equally more advantaged than poor people. For example, living in environments or neighborhoods with clean air is crucial to avoid various respiratory illnesses. Also, wealthy people are usually exposed to safer surroundings with minimal cases of unusual safety threats, and most importantly, they have unlimited access to recreational spaces and utilities. Living in areas with clean air is somewhat of a preventive measure against unnecessary respiratory illnesses. Wealthy people’s neighborhoods also have minimal security threats because of their adequate investment in security measures, unlike poor people who cannot afford to do the same. Besides, wealthy families can access recreational utilities at will, unlike their counterparts, and engaging in leisure activities has great benefits to an individual’s overall mental health. With limited access to financial resources, these healthy living conditions remain a dream for an ordinary man. Therefore, wealth is a crucial determinant of better health, especially in today’s world.
Reducing stress and mental health is another benefit one stands to gain from being wealthy. It may not always be the case, but in most cases, individuals with wealth hardly experience chronic stress as a result of financial instability. Studies have shown that economic stability can significantly alleviate stress often associated with financial instability. Chronic stress is no light issue as it has been established to be a major cause of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and compromised immune functions. Unlike poor people, individuals with financial stability do not have to worry about money, at least not most of the time, which is why they may have low stress levels. Low-stress levels would thus contribute to better mental health and overall well-being. Therefore, being wealthy significantly reduces the possibility of chronic stress caused by financial insecurity and improves one’s overall mental health.
Even so, the connection between financial wellness and health may take varied forms. For instance, finance and wealth can be considered the two fastest-growing sectors of the economy in the United States of America. Both contribute to more than 40% of the US GDP, and various innovative companies have shown great potential for growth in these sectors (Buttle, 2019). Furthermore, a study found that the life expectancy of more than half of DC residents could be explained through economic and educational factors. Besides, another report also showed a precise correlation between income growth and life expectancy increase, a decrease in chronic illness, and an increase in access to resources that favor longer lifespans and good health (Buttle, 2019).
Undeniably, all these arguments aim at having good health and overall well-being, which would make health an invaluable wealth to all individuals, whether rich or poor. My emphasis on health as one’s wealth and that all financial endeavors put individuals in better positions to promote their health outcomes come down to core values. The first is mindfulness, and this involves being present and conscious in one’s decisions because it influences one’s overall health outcomes. Secondly, self-care makes me argue in favor of maintaining one’s overall health. Lastly, personal responsibility demands me to be accountable for my well-being.
In conclusion, while exploring the intricate relationship between wealth and health, individuals must look beyond mere financial access to healthcare. The real-life issue in Rochester is an undeniable truth showing the connection between health and wealth. In pursuit of this examination, the many ways through which wealth affects health are sufficiently enlightened. One of the pivotal ideas was access to healthcare resources, with wealthy individuals emerging advantaged as they possess comprehensive health insurance coverage that allows them to conduct regular check-ups and effect timely interventions. As viewed in this paper, the wealthy also have healthy living options such as nutritious diets, wellness programs, and gym subscriptions, amongst others. Education is also a factor linked to informed decision-making regarding the prevention of health conditions. Environmental factors, including clean air and security, further validate the health benefits of affluence. For better health outcomes, individuals need to portray core values such as mindfulness, self-care, and personal responsibility. The emphasis on health as wealth echoes a collective aspiration for well-being that transcends monetary measures. This significantly encapsulates the essence of a society that values and prioritizes the health of its members.
References
Buttle, R. (2019, November 5). Exploring the Important Link Between Health and Wealth. Aspen Institute. Retrieved from https://www.aspeninstitute.org/blog-posts/exploring-the-important-link-between-health-and-wealth/
Clay, R. A. (2001, October). Wealth secures health. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/monitor/oct01/wealthhealth
Braveman, P., Acker, J., Arkin, E., Proctor, D., Gillman, A., McGeary, K. A., & Mallya, G. (2018, September 1). Wealth Matters for Health Equity. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Retrieved from https://www.rwjf.org/en/insights/our-research/2018/09/wealth-matters-for-health-equity.html
Purnell, J. Q. (2017). Financial Health is Public Health. What it’s Worth. Retrieved from https://www.strongfinancialfuture.org/essays/financial-health-is-public-health/
Tiainen, M. (2018, April). The relationship between wealth and health. University of Helsinki, 1-44. Retrieved from https://helda.helsinki.fi/server/api/core/bitstreams/ce32d672-a397-4b2a-aa3b-0dd673c606f9/content
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