Scientists baffled by the "Hispanic paradox"

Hispanics in the U.S. generally outlive African-Americans and non-Hispanic whites despite their high rates of poverty and comparatively low rates of health insurance, a phenomenon scientists call the “Hispanic paradox.” According to a government report released last week, as of 2006, life expectancy for Hispanics at birth was 80.6 years, 2.5 years more than for non-Hispanic whites, and almost 8 years longer than life expectancy for blacks. Longer life expectancy might have to do with cultural factors like close social networks and low rates of smoking, researchers said.

New York Times