When will you die? It could depend on where you grew up
Who knew where you grow up in North Carolina could have an effect on when you die? A pretty significant one, actually.
Let’s say you have a twin who you were separated from at birth. You grow up in Swain County up in the mountains, your twin in Wake County. Unlucky for you, your sibling is expected to outlive you by nearly nine years. NINE YEARS.
According to a recent study, factors such as poverty rates and access to health insurance and prenatal care are key in determining life expectancy.
A look at some numbers from around the state:
– Mecklenburg County: 80.4 years. Not bad.
– Wake County: 81.4 years. Older people. Maybe that’s why Raleigh is boring.
#KeepRaleighBoring pic.twitter.com/F3BGdiIdZN
— Joe Ovies (@joeovies) May 9, 2015
– Watauga County: 81.6 years. Mountain living is clearly good for some people …
– Swain County: 73.1 years. … And not so good for other people. That’s the shortest in the state.
Beautiful sunrise in the mountains this morning from @NCMountainCabin. #visitnc pic.twitter.com/FX2ctCaYkQ
— Visit North Carolina (@VisitNC) January 31, 2015
– Orange: 81.7 years. Longest in the state.
– New Hanover: 79.6 years. Expected the numbers on the coast to be higher with all that surf and sand and relaxation.
Take a look at this infographic to see when you’re expected kick the bucket.
In NC, life expectancy varies widely depending on the county. Check yours here. http://t.co/xysrXHfnXT pic.twitter.com/LndYKTinwd
— Rick Thames (@rthames) May 26, 2015
Thank goodness I’m from Union County (79.5 years). Good luck to all the Swainians (not sure if that’s a thing) out there!
This story was originally published May 27, 2015 at 10:39 PM with the headline "When will you die? It could depend on where you grew up."