How wealth affects health over a lifetime
Official title: Casual effects of wealth on health: Evidence from lifetime follow-up of randomized land redistribution
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10778619 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how having more money can affect people's health by examining a special program in New Zealand that gave farmers low-interest loans, and it aims to see if this extra wealth helps them live longer and healthier lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $202,470 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG077099-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10778619 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who may benefit from increased financial resources.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already financially secure or have access to adequate health resources may not see significant benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the causal relationship between wealth and health by analyzing a unique land redistribution policy in New Zealand that randomly awarded low-interest loans to farmers. By following the health outcomes of individuals over their lifetimes, the study aims to determine how increases in wealth can influence mortality rates. The approach utilizes a true randomization method, which is rare in economic studies, to provide robust evidence on the impact of financial resources on health outcomes across generations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide valuable insights into how financial support can improve health and longevity, potentially guiding future economic and health policies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies using similar randomization methods have shown modest influences of wealth on health, but this research aims to provide more definitive causal evidence.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roberts, Evan W — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Roberts, Evan W
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.