DeKALB | Many area residents were surprised to hear statistics showing DeKalb residents live longer than people from neighboring counties.

The life expectancy in DeKalb is 76.2 years for men, 80.7 years for women.

Factors including race, income and geographic location were all taken into account when determining life expectancy in the survey. The Harvard Initiative for Global Health study showed higher life-expectancy rates for McHenry, Winnebango, Kane, Boone and Will counties. DeKalb had the highest overall life expectancy in Northern Illinois.

“I think the university plays a big role in life expectancy,” said Maribel Valle, public health and health education professor. “Universities tend to bring educated, more health-conscientious people to one place. This is something the other counties do not have.”

Experts used data from the United States 2000 Census and other sources to calculate the life expectancy. That data was then divided into counties within each state.

Arlene Keddie, assistant allied health professor, said several factors, such as infant mortality, determine life expectancy. DeKalb County residents do not have as much access to top-notch health facilities in comparison to people from Chicago or suburbs such as Hinsdale, Highland Park, and Winnetka, which have higher average income.

Dekalb residents have a high average income and a better health care system when compared to people from counties such as Will and McHenry. Those counties tend to be significantly more rural. Kristen Myers, associate sociology professor, said, “minorities often have a lower life expectancy because of racism in health care, education and employment systems.” Furthermore, Cook County — the county with the highest minority population in the state — had the lowest life expectancy of all counties.

Myers said life-expectancy calculations consider race, class, gender and income, but it’s primarily related to stress.

“Stress in itself causes lower life expectancy,” Myers said. “[Stress] can cause a poorer life quality overall.”

The fallout of excessive stress can lead to health complications.

“Their psychological well-being is damaged and those factors lead to heart attacks and other medical complications,” she said.

Stress isn’t exclusively based on skin color. Income plays as a large role in health care and life expectancy. Of neighboring county residents, a significant percent are below the poverty level. Historically, people with less income receive less health care.

Ryan Strong is a City Reporter for the Northern Star.