A Century of Super–Rich Longevity

The relationship between wealth and longevity has shifted dramatically over the last century. Early in the 20th century, being among the wealthiest didn’t necessarily translate to a longer life, urban hazards like poor air quality and infectious diseases actually created a “rich penalty.” However, by the late 1900s, advances in healthcare and a reduction in urban health risks flipped this trend, granting the wealthiest a significant longevity advantage. This shift in life expectancy not only highlights the evolving impact of wealth on well-being but also deepens the conversation around economic and social inequality beyond income and consumption alone.