Voting Could Help You Live Longer

If you voted Tuesday, there may be a silver lining, even if your candidate lost.

Voting might help you live longer. Which is surprising, considering what the campaign ads do to our collective blood pressures.

Researchers followed thousands of older Wisconsin adults and found that voting was linked to a lower risk of dying in the years afterward. And, this is one thing that doesn’t require picking a side. The connection held up even after accounting for things like health, income, and political affiliation. 

Now, the important word is "linked." This doesn’t prove voting adds years to your life. Your “I Voted” sticker is not a prescription.

But researchers suggest that feeling connected, having a purpose, and knowing your voice matters could help explain the connection.

So, no fountain of youth. Just a ballot, and, with any luck, a LONG break from the campaign commercials.

Find the study HERE!

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash