New Study Shows Latinos Live Long & Prosper

By Michael Lopez

Ever wonder why your abuela is still kicking butt in her senior years? A new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention may have the answer. According to their most recent stats, U.S. Latinos, on average, live longer than both whites and African-Americans, sometimes by up to several years.

Image : Grandmother

Their research has shown that a Latino born in 2006 could expect to live about 80 years and seven months, while the life expectancy for a Caucasian baby born at the same time would only be 78. Interestingly, an African-American born in 2006 would only be expected to reach 73.

What are the reasons? That’s the trickier part. Some have argued it’s related to diet, others say it has to do with genetics, and still others relate it to the hardships of immigration and manual labor (which they believe can “toughen” one's body).

A big takeaway from all of this is that many of the Latinos studied have not fully adapted to the American culture…which is actually a GOOD thing. Jane Delgado, president of the National Alliance of Hispanic Health, spoke up by saying,

“The American lifestyle is very sedentary. That’s not a good thing.”

Meaning the junk food, desk jobs, and poorer health habits of the country haven’t quite affected Latinos as much…yet. Many have said that life spans may shorten for third and fourth generation Latinos, who are less likely to be as active and durable as their immigrant grandparents.

We say, the best way to figure out the secrets of Latino longevity is to talk to the oldest relatives you know. Grandpas, great-grandmas, whatever, if they’re deep in their 80’s and still going strong, they must be doing something right! Plus we’re sure they’ll greatly appreciate the company.

Source: [Yahoo]

Who’s the oldest relative in your family? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Cultura, Immigration, Latinos, National Alliance of Hispanic Health