Final answer:
The shorter life expectancy of the poor is caused by factors such as lack of access to healthcare, poor nutrition, environmental hazards, and limited education, all of which contribute to a cycle of poverty.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reasons for the shorter life expectancy of the poor include lack of access to quality healthcare, poor nutrition and diet, higher exposure to environmental hazards, limited education and awareness, and indeed, all of the above contribute to this disparity. Babies born in impoverished regions face higher mortality rates, with those in poor countries being 16 times more likely to die in their first five years compared to those in affluent countries.
About a quarter of the population in low-income countries is undernourished. Insufficient sanitation, crowded living conditions, and a lack of clean water exacerbate health issues. Low levels of education and literacy, which exceed 40% among those aged 15 years and older in these regions, contribute to a lack of awareness and understanding regarding health practices, further impacting life expectancy.
The geographical disparity in access to healthcare also influences life expectancy, with the poor having limited availability of health professionals and prenatal care, which affects maternal and infant mortality rates. In summary, these factors are often interconnected and reinforce a cycle of poverty that is difficult to escape.