Health | death rates Stronger Economy Just Might Kill You Study finds higher deaths in boom times among middle aged, elderly By John Johnson Posted Oct 8, 2013 8:50 AM CDT Copied In this April 4, 2013, file photo, people line up for entry to a job fair in Montpelier, Vt. (AP Photo/Toby Talbot) A booming economy would seem to be good news all around, but a new study finds a strange thing: More middle-aged people and seniors tend to die in a strong economy than in a weak one, reports Medical News Today. Specifically, Netherlands researchers found that death rates in developed countries rose for people 40-44 and 70-74 as the GDP ticked up. Every 1% rise in the GDP translated into an increase in the death rate for both groups of about 0.36%. So what's going on? The scientists aren't sure, but they float a number of theories rounded up by LiveScience. A strong economy means more people are schlepping out to work in the morning, which theoretically raises the risk of traffic accidents and work-related stress, at least for the 40-somethings. As for the older group, they might be getting less care from adult children tied to their jobs. The researchers say these are just best guesses, however, and say the topic needs more study. Read These Next That 'buy now, pay later' loan may soon hit your credit score. Cops: Arizona 5th graders drew up plot to 'end' a classmate. The Bezos-Sanchez wedding: guest list, cost, the dress, and more. Hall of Famer Dave Parker dies Report an error