Social Status: The Numbers Tell the Story Social status — a person’s position in society — is one of the most powerful and least discussed determinants of health and lifespan. The data are unambiguous and span every domain of achievement: Olympic champions live 2.8–3 years longer than other Olympic participants. Nobel laureates live 1.4–2 years longer than scientists who were merely nominated but did not receive the prize, and 6–8 years longer than the average scientist. Academy Award winners live 4 years longer than other professional actors. Among academics, holders of doctoral degrees outlive candidates, and candidates outlive those without advanced degrees. These are not comparisons between healthy and unhealthy people, or between rich and poor people. They are comparisons within elite populations — people with access, education, and resources — where the single varying factor is rank . The conclusion is unavoidable: status itself changes biology. Status Anxiety...
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