# Growing Up in Poorer Neighborhoods Linked to Higher Death Risk by Midlife

_Evidence Level: Moderate · Lawrence EM et al., The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciences, DOI 10.1093/geronb/gbag139_

*Family and neighborhood environments in adolescence and subsequent mortality.*

- **Evidence Level**: Moderate
- **Why this grade**: Large US study of 18,921 adolescents followed for 29 years, though as observational data it cannot prove cause and effect.
- **Facts**: Duration: 29 years · Funding: NIH (Eunice Kennedy Shriver NICHD); Carolina Population Center; CU Population…
- **Publication Types**: Journal Article
- **Journal**: The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciences
- **Sample Size**: 18,921 US adolescents aged 12-19, followed into midlife
- **Authors**: Lawrence EM, Rogers RG, Loehr LR, Whitsel EA
- **Graded and published**: 2026-10-01
- **Last edited**: 2026-10-07
- **Topics**: Mortality, Social Factors, Early Life
- **DOI**: https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbag139
- **Original Source**: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42837502/

## Summary

Teens from lower-income families and struggling neighborhoods were more likely to die by middle age. Researchers followed nearly 19,000 American adolescents for 29 years, tracking deaths through 2023. Much of the link shrank once teens' thinking skills and school expectations were factored in, so personal development seems to play a big part. This is observational data, so it shows a link, not proof that where you grow up causes early death.

## Practical Takeaway

This study suggests teenage living conditions may leave a mark on health decades later.

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_Canonical: https://longevity-germany.com/en/research/growing-up-in-poorer-neighborhoods-linked-to-higher-death-risk-by-midlife · Part of Longevity Cities · Updated 2026-10-07_