9 Life Experiences That Increase Your Early Death Risk

While we all can try our hardest to live safe, danger-free lives, the fact is there are things that we may be doing or exposing ourselves to that could be shortening our lifespan without our even knowing it. Even something as innocuous as sitting for too long can have serious consequences for your health, according to a 2012 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. 

Little everyday things that we do, or don't do, could be slowly impacting your mortality. For example, not everyone may floss their teeth in the morning or at night. However, a 2011 study published in the Journal of Aging Research showed that not flossing could raise your risk of mortality by close to 30%, as opposed to people who floss regularly. This article lists a number of life experiences that, whether you realize it or not, could be slowly but surely hastening your way to the grave.  

Unfortunately, unpleasant and abusive work environments are more common these days than people would like to believe. According to the American Psychological Association, one in five employees has claimed that their workplace is toxic. Additionally, three in ten workers have reported experiencing harassment, verbal abuse, and even physical violence. These incidents have led to many people feeling anxious and scared in the workplace. 

According to a 2021 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, the emotions produced by a toxic work environment can create stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout among workers. On top of that, the study revealed that one employee's negative emotions can spill out to their co-workers, further creating a stressful and anxious atmosphere for everyone. The Mayo Clinic reports that chronic stress can lead to a number of potentially life-threatening conditions, including weight gain, heart disease, and high blood pressure. 

Spending too much time alone can increase a person's risk of developing a number of serious conditions, including dementia, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke (via the Centers for Disease Control). According to the National Institute on Aging, socially isolated people tend to engage in a number of damaging behaviors, which can contribute to a shortened lifespan. Among these behaviors are a sedentary lifestyle, excessive drinking, smoking, and poor sleep habits. They can also experience loneliness and emotional pain, which can have physical repercussions with chronic inflammation and a lowered immune system. 

A 2013 study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences showed that social isolation was linked to such illnesses as arthritis, lung disease, and depression. Isolation also played a role in mortality, according to the study. Twenty-two percent of people who were in a higher isolation group died, compared to only 12% in a lower isolation group. Even people who simply felt lonely had a 19% chance of high mortality.  

In addition to unhealthy habits, where you live can play a role in the quality of your health. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that people who live in unsafe neighborhoods have higher amounts of stress and more physical problems, such as headaches, nausea, and fatigue. They also had higher rates of depression, anxiety, chronic illness, and, ultimately, mortality. 

A 2022 study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association studied the effects of living in violent crime areas. The study showed that a drop in violent crime was linked to a 0.21% drop in deaths from heart-related issues and a 0.19% drop from deaths from coronary artery disease specifically. The link stems from the fact that, according to the study, living in violent crime areas exacerbates stress, which leads to unhealthy habits, such as eating badly or using drugs. Over time, these stress-combatting behaviors can lead to such issues as obesity and heart disease, all of which can contribute to a truncated lifespan.  

Money problems are an ongoing worry for a number of people, and they can have a surprising effect on one's health. Financial worries can contribute to a number of health problems, including anxiety-induced panic attacks and depression. Additionally, researchers of a 2020 study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine noted a link between people who face financial hardships and more frequent emergency room visits. 

According to the Commonwealth Fund, adults who have financial difficulties are more likely to be unable to afford the medical care they need. They may also be unable to visit the doctor or the emergency room because of a lack of access to adequate transportation. These findings are bolstered by a 2015 report published by the Urban Institute. This report showed that people with lower incomes lived an average of six years less than people with higher incomes.  

Even as adults, traumatic events that have happened to us as children can continue to affect us even as adults. According to Khiron Clinics, unprocessed trauma can intrude on our daily lives, leading to such issues as panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, and self-harm. It can also have physical consequences, including overeating and chronic inflammation. Over time, this can lead to health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and cancer. 

Golden Gate Recovery reports that trauma produces stress hormones such as cortisol, noradrenaline, and adrenaline. People who have trauma that they haven't dealt with may find that their bodies continually produce these hormones, putting the person in a perpetual state of alertness and stress. This constant state of stress can wear the body down, leading to fatigue and dizziness. It can also cause long-term health problems like obesity, high blood pressure, stroke, and, in severe cases, even some forms of cancer. 

Environmental toxins, such as chemical pollutants, pesticides, and microplastics in the water supply, are fairly common. These toxins can also be found in everything from cosmetics to packaging and can cause a number of health problems (via Cleveland Clinic). Environmental toxins can cause disruption to the endocrine system, leading to heart disease, reproductive issues, and possibly ovarian, breast, and prostate cancer. There is also a link between exposure to these chemicals and diabetes. 

Pollutants in the air can also be a problem, with the BMJ pointing out that more than approximately 5 million people each year die as a result of air pollution. These pollutants can impact the respiratory system, leading to inflammation and reduced function of the lungs (via Rupa Health). Over time, people who have been exposed to these chemicals in the air can develop such conditions as asthma, allergies, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 

According to the Washington Post, the average American can spend up to 250 hours a year commuting to work. This can slowly begin to take a toll on your health, as reported by Keck Medicine. If your commute is more than an hour, it can cut into the time you have to exercise, leading to obesity and possibly diabetes and heart disease. It can also affect your social life, leaving you less inclined to get back in the car to see friends and family after a long commute. Add to that the high stress level created by fighting traffic for two hours or more each day, and it's no surprise that a long commute does not agree with your health. 

Authors of a 2022 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that people with a long commute have a greater level of dissatisfaction with their work and personal lives. In addition, people with long commutes suffer from increased mental strain and greater instances of fatigue. They also tended to engage in poor behavior patterns that led to other health issues like obesity. 

It can be very rewarding and emotionally satisfying to care for an aging relative in their last years. However, it can come with a downside, one that could impact your health. Home Watch Caregivers notes that taking care of an elderly loved one can lead to unwanted stress, emotional issues, and poor habits such as sleeping less and eating poorly. A 2013 study published in the American Journal of Hypertension showed a direct link between caring for a loved one and the development of high blood pressure. 

When caring for a loved one, it's important to recognize the signs of stress and potential burnout (via the Mayo Clinic). Regular worrying, gaining weight, and becoming easily irritated are signs that the stress of caregiving may be wearing you down. One should also be on the lookout for neglecting your own health or abusing prescription drugs or medications to combat the strain. 

The feeling that you are not where you should be in your career can have detrimental consequences for both your physical and mental health. People who are feeling unfulfilled in their careers can experience fatigue, ulcers, heart palpitations, hair loss, and sleep issues (via Her Career Doctor). It can also lead to emotional problems, including low motivation, mood swings, and high levels of disengagement. 

People who are unhappy at work can also experience career burnout. According to Clockify, five out of ten people experience burnout, and 41% of people who work more than 50 hours a week said that their companies do little to address burnout. In addition, the article pointed out some distressing stories about burnout, such as workers dreaming about having a car accident just so they can get some rest or turning to substance abuse to combat stress and strain. In the most drastic cases, some burned out workers have even considered suicide as a way to escape their careers.