CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

Your Neighborhood Can Determine Baby’s Life Expectancy

save article
profile picture of Emily Windram
By Emily Windram, Intern
Updated March 2, 2017
Hero Image
Image: Shutterstock

You want baby to live a long and happy life. And a few miles can make all the difference, according to a series of maps released by the  Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and Virginia Commonwealth University.

The nonprofit organization researched average life expectancies by neighborhood in a number of US cities. The title of the project, “Short Distances to Large Gaps in Health,” says it all; within each city, neighboring areas experience very different life expectancies — with gaps up to two decades.

One of the most shocking reveals is in Richmond, Virginia, where a baby born in Gilpin has a life expectancy 20 years lower than a baby born just five miles away in Westover Hills. Urban Chicago has a 16-year gap, while New York sees a nine-year difference between a baby born in Midtown Manhattan and a baby born in East Harlem.

In 2013, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation released a health policy brief that covered the major factors that affect life expectancy and general health status, such as race, gender, education and zip code. These factors “should not make a difference,” RWJF states clearly, but acknowledges that “where we live, learn, and work defines — to a surprisingly high degree — our health.”

“Our goal is to help local officials, residents, and others understand that there’s more to health than merely health care, and that improving health requires having a broad range of players at the table." says Derek Chapman, PhD, associate director for research at the VCU Center on Society and Health. These “players” include factors like access to education, nutritious food, health care options, social services and more.

If we do manage to bump up baby’s average life expectancy in the future — some scientists believe we could reach an average of 100 years old—  we need to be proactive, RWJF urges. To follow the discussion on how to improve the future, follow their Twitter hashtag #CloseHealthGaps.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

Shannon Nelson and Brendan Hunt attend the 16th Annual WIF Oscar® Party Presented By Johnnie Walker, Max Mara, And Mercedes-Benz on March 10, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
Ted Lasso's Brendan Hunt Expecting Baby No. 2 With Shannon Nelson
By Wyndi Kappes
dad and daughter drawing at home
How Dads Can Help Boost Their Child’s Early Educational Success
By Wyndi Kappes
harry potter star bonnie wright is pregnant with first baby
Harry Potter Star Bonnie Wright Has Welcomed Her First Child
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
Julie Andrews and her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton on BuzzFeed's "AM To DM" on October 15, 2019 in New York City
Julie Andrews and Her Daughter Pen New Children's Book
By Wyndi Kappes
kourtney kardashian at her disney themed baby shower
The Cutest Details From Kourtney Kardashian's Disneyland Baby Shower
By Wyndi Kappes
mike the situation and wife lauren sorrentino with their babies at home
Mike 'the Situation' and His Wife Lauren Are Expecting Baby No. 3
By Wyndi Kappes
Mykayla Skinner with Silver Medal
Olympic Gymnast MyKayla Skinner Welcomes Her First Baby
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
mother putting baby into bare crib for safe sleep
New Report Reveals Nursery Items as Significant Threat to Safe Sleep
By Wyndi Kappes
US actor Josh Duhamel (L) and his wife US model Audra Mari pose during a photocall for the Golden Nymph Awards ceremony of the 62nd Monte-Carlo Television Festival in the principalty of Monaco on June 20, 2023
Josh Duhamel’s Son Axl Has Adorable Reaction to New Big Brother Role
By Wyndi Kappes
jordan and annie spieth with their son
Pro Golfer Jordan Spieth and Annie Spieth Welcome Baby No. 2
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
wrapped kraft singles american cheese recall
Why Over 83,000 Cases of Kraft Singles Have Been Recalled
By Wyndi Kappes
ms rachel stands up to body shamer
Ms. Rachel Stands Up to Body Shamers in New Video
By Wyndi Kappes
bodily pregnancy kits
Bodily Launches Pregnancy Kits Packed With Advice and Essentials
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
Chanel Iman and Davon Godchaux pregnancy photoshoot
Chanel Iman and Patriots' Davon Godchaux’s Baby Girl Has Arrived
By Wyndi Kappes
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Mariah Riddlesprigger welcome third baby 2023
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Mariah Riddlesprigger Welcome Third Baby
By Wyndi Kappes
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky arrive for the world premiere of Marvel Studios' "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, on October 26, 2022
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky Share First Photo as Family of Four
By Wyndi Kappes
Khloé Kardashian, Penelope Disick, Kim Kardashian, North West and Kris Jenner attend the "RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR" at SoFi Stadium on September 04, 2023 in Inglewood, California.
These Are 2023’s Most Influential Celebrity Parents
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
happy family walking in city
These Top 15 Family-Friendly Cities Offer Amazing Outdoor Spaces
By Wyndi Kappes
chuckle and roar water bead activity kits recall 2023
Popular Water Bead Activity Kit Sold at Target Has Been Recalled
By Wyndi Kappes
elyse and jonas myers welcome their second baby
Comedian Elyse Myers and Jonas Myers Welcome Baby No. 2
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List