Running Head: AFFLUENCE

The Benefits of Affluence on Health

Davinder Bassi
#xxx xxx xxx
Lang 102
Professor X
Tuesday October 30, 2012

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The Benefits of Affluence on Health

For many Canadians, wealth is health. That is, wealth in terms of the total value of net assets,
outstanding of debt (including bank accounts, stocks, bonds, life insurance, value of housing,
businesses, cars, pensions and retirement programs). As the cost of healthcare increases,
Canadians are becoming more aware of differences in their health from an income gap between
the richest and poorest. Raphael (2004) notes that 23% of Canadians premature loss of life is
accounted for by income differences (as cited in Potter & Perry, 2010, p.7). People with more
money are living longer, more fulfilled, active lives. Hence this longevity is attributed to
affluence being a strong determinant of peoples mental, social and physical well-being (Potter &
Perry, 2010, p.6).
Firstly, having money is a great boost for ones mental health. Financial stability allows for a
better attitude towards life and healthier coping strategies (Potter & Perry, 2010, p.8). An
individual can feel more in control of their destiny and work life. When one is not worried about
finances, housing, safety or racial discrimination, then one has the ability to look forward to each
new day. Myers (2001) racism has a demoralizing effect that can undermine health and wellbeing (as cited by Clay, 2001). Studies also show that children raised in affluent families
improve cognitively, more so than those who have not (Potter & Perry, 2010, p.9). Benefits of
wealth from employment provide better mental health by giving purpose to ones life (Potter &
Perry, 2010, p.7). Then, there is a greater tendency for one to follow up with health concerns. In
1999, the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Advisory Committee on Population Health observe
that people with lower incomes are more likely to havelower self-esteem, lower sense of
mastery and coherence; and higher levels of depression (as cited in Potter & Perry, 2010, p.7).
Therefore, fortune improves the state of mind of an individual.

AFFLUENCE

Secondly, affluence enhances ones social well-being through peer pressure. As it is socially
acceptable to maintain good appearance, it allows for one to maintain better health, usually both
inside and out. Wealth also improves health when an individual sees himself in better social
standing through their choices in taste for art, music, food and reading materials (Geller, 2008).
Another benefit of affluence on social well-being is the type of housing one can afford and the
type of neighbourhood one lives in. The wealthier the neighbourhood, the reduced amount of
noise and pollution one experiences (Potter & Perry, 2010, p.7). Wilkins et al. (2002) observe that
children born in poor neighbourhoods have a 43% higher incidence of low birth weight, an
important marker for subsequent poor child and adult health, than those born in higher income
neighbourhoods (as cited in Potter & Perry, 2010, p.7). It is also in these affluent
neighbourhoods where choices for housing, education and medical care are more readily
available. One is surrounded by more people who are educated and employed, thus, more people
with health coverage is the norm (Geller, 2008). Having better access to information about health
and education is another benefit of wealth for improved social well-being. Communication with
teachers, workmates and friends, or simply, access from computers (internet) allows for improved
health. As a result, in the presence of wealth, one is aware of more choices through social contact
and can, therefore, make better health choices for themselves.
Thirdly, affluence significantly promotes ones physical well-being. This is mainly due to the
lack of debt-related stress. Studies have shown these individuals to present with fewer heart
attacks, ulcers, digestive tract issues, headaches, depression, muscle tension and lower back pain
(Potter & Perry, 2010, p.7). These individuals are able to get not just prescribed surgery, but also,
they can get non-elective surgery easier. Wealth provides them with better nutrition from the
improved quality of food purchased and consumed (Geller, 2008). Their food choices tend to be
more non-toxic allowing them to live longer lives. In addition, prosperity aids individuals to gain

AFFLUENCE

access to leisure activity with the availability of transportation (Geller, 2008). Getting to
appointments conveniently, also allows one immediate access to medical specialists. As such,
wealth provides a means to improve ones physical health.
In summary, affluence is a strong determinant when looking at improving ones mental, social
and physical well-being. Among other things, money helps to provide an individual with an
optimistic outlook on life. The ability to make healthy food choices, have access to information
and to use private transportation contributes to prosperity. With these benefits, one is able to live
a longer, more productive life. Thus, affluence helps improve ones overall health. As such, we
should use this information to address the negative health effects felt by those from lower income
communities in order to have improved levels of health for all Canadians.

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References

Clay, R. A. (2001, October). Wealth secures health. American Psychological Association, 32, 9.
Retrieved from: http://www.apa.org/monitor/oct01/wealthhealth.aspx

Geller, E. (2008, September 18). Learn How Income Affects Your Lifestyle and Heath. Retrieved
from: http://voices.yahoo.com/learn-income-affects-lifestyle-health-1918140.html?cat=51

Potter, P. A., & Perry, A. G. (2010). Canadian fundamentals of nursing (Revised 4th ed.).
Toronto, ON: Elsevier Canada Ltd.