Voting predicts a lower risk of mortality for up to 15 years among older adults, according to an analysis of data from 7,708 participants in the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, (54% women) and voting records.

To assess associations between voting behavior and mortality risk, researchers examined data from older adults who voted in the US 2008 presidential election, controlling for socioeconomic status, demographics (including political affiliation), civic engagement, and health. They also conducted survival analyses for the 2004, 2008, and 2012 presidential elections through 2023.

They found that older adult voters in 2008 (compared to nonvoters) had a 45%, 37%, and 29% lower mortality risk after 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively. Both in-person and remote voting were associated with reduced mortality risk across all periods. Notably, those in poorer health benefited more from voting 15 years later.

"These findings support voting as a potential social determinant of health," the authors wrote. "Voting is often promoted as a public health initiative enhancing community health, and it may also be associated with better health outcomes for voters. The results inform public health policy initiatives promoting voter participation, particularly among aging populations."

To download the full article, published in the Journals of Gerontology Series B, click here