Although worldwide an increase in life expectancy has been observed  – producing the so-called Agequake effect - for the second year in a row, the life expectancy is dropping in the USA. But calm down! No reason to freak out. The US Life expectancy is still one of the best in the world, trailing only Germany, Britain, France and Japan.

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the US Life Expectancy is dropping to 78.6 years, after it had already dropped from 78.9 to 78.7 years in 2014-2015. So, we’re losing months, really. Plus, two points make a line; not a pattern. Although the last time a two-year drop has happened it was the 1960’s, we’ve had worst drops other years and we managed to grow back, even more, the year after.

However, the fact that our life expectancy is dropping still raises some questions. It makes us wonder: how many (if any) changes could occur in the Real Estate Industry because of this phenomenon?

One thing seems really clear: the effects of Agequake and the population pyramid shift could be slowed down because of this decrease in the US life expectancy. That’s not exactly bad news for real estate developers like singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffet – of Margaritaville fame - who’s just announced a sort of retirement homes for his “better age” fandom, because; come on… he would have at least 78 years to profit off his investment before his clients would live 3 months less! That’s the great thing about investing in Baby Boomers; you don’t need to wait for your audience to grow financially as a whole.

And, in a way, this could be viewed as a good thing, at least business-wise, because the industry could have a broader more sustainable growth on both ends of the population pyramid - it’s better to sell for both the Baby Boomers and the Millennials, instead of having to be a This or That kind of a deal, right? The more, the merrier.

However, of course, we want everyone to live as long as they can, so we also wonder the other way around: could there be a way in which the real estate industry plays an active role on a future increase of life expectancy?

From what we see, the answer seems to be positive.

Considering the Top 2 causes of death in America are (by a wide margin) heart diseases and cancer, and the opioids crisis is another serious health issue, with drug overdoses claiming more than 63,000 lives in 2016; whether knowingly or not, real estate developers have a big role and responsibility on a future increase of life expectancy. By planning buildings and areas that promote exercises and other healthy habits, they can, in the long run, be instrumental in a change.

Fitwel, for instance, is a certification launched by the Center for Active Design (CfAC). It awards cost-effective high-impact real estate developments concerned with its occupant’s wellness from the design conception to the management within the organization(s) that occupies said developments. Composed of a team of designers and public health researchers, Fitwel uses its leverage with private companies and governmental bodies to push innovative architecture that gives access to a good quality of life via vibrant public and private places. The company’s reach has pushed mortgage lender Fannie Mae, for instance, to offer a 15-basis point reduction on new construction and rehabilitation loans for projects that meet Fitwel’s requirements through its Healthy Housing Rewards Initiative.

But that’s not the only reason why the real estate industry should dabble with this US life expectancy issue. On a broader sense, it’s vital for the real estate industry to invest in healthier buildings to its occupants, because – according to “Exploring the value proposition for workplace health”, a study by the Health Enhancement Research - 90% of business leaders from several areas say that promoting wellness improves employee productivity. So it’s a matter of an economical eco-system that needs to be well-oiled, and we can help see to it. By building more healthy-oriented homes, building and common areas, we’ll make the economy gears turn, drive more business, earn more money and, as a bonus, have an increase in life expectancy.

If, even with all the positive things we’ve said here, you still can’t shake away from the fact that the US life expectancy is dropping for two years in a row… first of all, we’re sorry about that. Since it’s a known fact that the place where you live affects your health, we’ll leave you with the list of the healthiest states to live in America. Maybe it’s that final push you needed to finally call Hawaii Real Estate Agents and make that old endless summer dream come true? Who knows?

1.    Massachusetts
2.    Hawaii
3.    Vermont
4.    Utah
5.    Connecticut

But if Hawaii is not your dream and none of those 5 states interest you, the great news is that it all starts with you. Sure, it’s great when our environment is harmonious to our desires of self-improvement, but the most amazing healthy culture won’t mean a thing if you decide to cross your arms and binge deep in laziness and unhealthy habits. If you feel these 3 months lost in the American lifespan must be won back, the most significant contribution to be done starts with your healthy example to your loved ones. We are sure that, if everyone does their part, the increase in life expectancy is getting back up. Easily!