The author looks at the conundrum of increases in longevity and decreases in health during the Great Recession. After exploring a number of possible explanations, he concludes that the U.S. population has simultaneously experienced health harms from lost insurance and increased anxiety over personal finances, but longer life expectancy among the elderly via more and better care in nursing homes. He cites two studies by Sarah Burgard, Jennie Brand, and Jim House in making his argument.

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