Where you live and your job — major factors in life expectancy

When it comes to life expectancy, family history has something to do with it.

But where you live, your job and educational level have a lot more say in how long you live, said David Williams, Ph.D., professor of public health at the Harvard School of Public Health and a professor of African and African-American studies and sociology at Harvard University.

Sponsors Dr. Williams visit to Omaha is sponsored by: UNMC’s Center for Reducing Health Disparities in the College of Public Health; The Office of Student Equity and Multicultural Affairs; The Employee Diversity Network; and The Heartland Latino Leadership Conference.

Dr. Williams will discuss the link between these factors and life expectancy during his lecture at UNMC on Thursday.

“In some U.S. cities, we can predict life expectancy based upon a person’s street address,” Dr. Williams said. “Patterns of health disparities are often a result of socioeconomic factors. As we identify causes, we can provide interventions to encourage healthier communities and cities.”

The talk — which starts at noon in the Eppley Science Hall Amphitheater — will address how race, socioeconomic status and religious involvement affect physical and mental health.

Free sack lunches are available to the first 40 attendees.

In the evening, a community discussion will take place with Dr. Williams and leaders from various sectors. The event aims to create an ongoing dialogue on how to address and eliminate social inequalities that lead to health disparities in our community.