Non-voters have higher mortality rates, study finds
Non-voters tend to die earlier than voters, a study of 3 million Finns shows.
Why it matters
- Voting is linked to longevity, even more than education level.
- Non-voters had higher mortality rates over a 21-year period.
- This highlights a potential connection between civic engagement and health.
By the numbers
- Over 3.1 million people studied.
- Non-voting men had a 73% higher mortality rate; women, 63%.
- Gap larger than education-based mortality disparities.
The big picture
- Voting could be an indicator of overall health and well-being.
- The association is stronger than that with education levels.
What they're saying
- Some suggest lifestyle factors may influence both voting and mortality.
- Critics argue the study only shows correlation, not causation.
Caveats
- Correlation does not imply causation; other factors may be at play.
- Data from a single election may not reflect long-term voting habits.
What’s next
- Further research needed to explore causal relationships.
- Longitudinal studies tracking voting patterns and health over time.