Life Expectancy: How your Zip Code determines more than your Genetic Code

* This is not a political post. I am sticking to the facts according to what I deem as credible resources.

According to the CDC, life expectancy in Massachusetts in 2018 was 80.7 years old and in 2020, it dropped to 79 years old. While that may not seem significant, the fact there was a drop is alarming to me. I imagine these numbers have dropped even more over the last few years but there are no official statistics beyond 2020. Societal factors such as education, income, race, and access to healthcare play a significant role in one’s life expectancy.

Links between race, poverty and health have been reinforced by years of inequality, and untangling them won’t be easy. Understanding the correlations between zip codes and health can help local lawmakers, public-health officials and community representatives begin to level the playing field for their residents. For those who live in rural areas or those with limited resources where access to primary care is a challenge, and children don’t grow up seeing a doctor regularly, their health literacy tends to be low. Telemedicine may not be ideal, but it is a better option than having no access at all. My views of telemedicine have shifted over the last few years and I now see how beneficial it can be for those with limited resources or accessibility.

One of the most important indicators of health in any neighborhood is access to fresh, healthy foods.

Without reliable access to healthy food options like fresh fruits and vegetables, the rate of chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension can increase. A local Boston community member saw the need for healthier food options and converted an old school bus into a Fresh Truck Mobile Market as an antidote to the lack of fresh food options.

Health starts at home, and that means the health of our neighborhoods is one of the biggest indicators of overall wellness. Inadequate housing conditions such as presence of lead, mold or overcrowding can contribute to chronic health issues. Environmental conditions include air pollution, harmful sun rays and loud noises. Statistics show that social cohesion and civic participation have a significant positive impact on the health of individuals in the community.

Social determinants of health do not have to be barriers to living healthy lives. Understanding how to improve these conditions leads to innovative solutions. It is important to be your best healthcare advocate. And it couldn’t hurt to help those in your community too.

be well-