What your political affiliation says about your lifespan

A new study published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health suggests that independent voters have greater longevity than Republicans or Democrats, whose death rates are about the same. And if you want an even better chance at long life, the same research found that liberals live longer than conservatives.

Conservatives can take heart, though, in the fact that though their lives may be a little shorter, other research indicates those on the right are likely to be happier than liberals. Also, those with more pronounced political views enjoy themselves more than moderates. So for long life and happiness, just don't be a moderate liberal who always votes Democrat.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up