A new study of 3,000 respondents by HelloPharmacist has found that the average New Mexican believes they will only live until the age of 71 – a full 6 years below the state average* (76.9), and 7 years below the national life expectancy. Turns out, the people in the Land of Enchantment were the least optimistic in America about their longevity.
When you delve a bit deeper, there are actually several reasons that New Mexicans may be justified in not being that confident of hitting their state life expectancy: Life expectancy in New Mexico has consistently been below the national average, with a gap of approximately 2 years as of 2021. One major factor contributing to this disparity is the state’s high rates of poverty and limited access to healthcare, which have been shown to negatively impact health outcomes. Additionally, New Mexico has higher rates of obesity, smoking, and drug overdose deaths compared to the national average, further driving down life expectancy. In 2019, the state had a poverty rate of 19.4% and an uninsured rate of 14.6%, both higher than the national averages of 10.5% and 8.9% respectively.
Nationally, however, Americans are more optimistic than those in New Mexico, predicting they will live for 2 years longer than the average life expectancy of 78, at 80 years old.
Broken down by state, HelloPharmacist found that Rhode Islanders and Nevadans were equally the most optimistic about their longevity, saying they think they will live for 6 years above the state average (79.4 in Rhode Island, and 78.1 in Nevada), thus living to a ripe old age of 85 and 84. And New Mexicans were the least optimistic.
The study also uncovered intriguing insights – 50% of those surveyed expressed their willingness to participate in drug trials as a guinea pig if it was said to double their lifespan. This percentage appears surprisingly high as drug trials come with serious inherent risks and challenges.
Over a third - 38% - say they take supplements and medications for the specific purpose of living a longer life. However, it should be noted that vitamin supplements are not actually a proven way to increase lifespan. While some studies have suggested that certain vitamins, such as vitamin D and vitamin E, may have some beneficial effects on health and longevity, the majority of research does not support the idea that taking vitamin supplements will help people live longer.
Following reports that Silicon Valley is pouring billions into biotech start-ups with the goal of discovering either how to extend longevity, or live forever, HelloPharmacist also asked respondents a (semi) hypothetical question:
“If scientists developed a pill which would allow you to live forever, would you take it?”
Surprisingly, a significant 42% said that they would. A quarter (24%) of respondents would be indifferent, while a third – 34% – would be actively against it.
Additionally, 80% of respondents also said they would happily run one mile per day if it would guarantee they would live for an extra five years. However, it does seem as if public messaging about the value of exercise is not getting through enough – research suggests that many Americans simply don’t get enough exercise. According to the CDC, only about 20% of US adults meet the recommended guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity. Scientists often refer to exercise as the real ‘miracle drug’ as it carries so many health benefits; done regularly, it can improve cardiovascular health, increase muscle and bone strength, decrease the risk of chronic diseases, improve mental health and cognitive function, and even help with weight management.
Finally, the survey revealed that over half – 52% – said they’d prefer to outlive their partner.
