Researchers show that, historically, overall health improves during a bad economy, reports. A study published in looks at economic growth and the health of the U.S. population from 1920-1940, which encompasses the Great Depression, and reveals that life expectancy increased over that period. The reason behind the increase is unclear, but researchers surmise that people smoke, drink, drive, and eat out less during a recession, which may lead to a lower mortality rate.
–Aileen Torres