Finally there’s good news about the recession! A new study shows that a weak economy means more healthy people…

A new analysis of the Great Depression suggests that mortality dropped and life expectancy increased during this time. CNN.com reports, “Researchers estimate that around that time, a year with a five percent drop in the gross domestic product was associated with a 1.8 year gain in life expectancy, while a five percent rise in the GDP lowered life expectancy by about one to two months.”

The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences published a study by Jose A. Tapia Granados, MD and Ana V. Diez Roux from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor in which they analyzed the economic growth and population health in the United States between the years of 1920-1940 with a specific emphasis on the Great Depression which lasted from 1929-1933.

The analysis uncovered that the mortality rate declined and the life expectancy rate increased during this time period. They did discover that the suicide rate increased but it still only made up less than two percent of all deaths. The researchers also took a look at six other major causes of death which included heart and kidney disease, tuberculosis and traffic accidents. They noticed that all of these causes all declined during the recession periods and rose during times when the economy was strong. A similar pattern was also noted with child and infant mortality.

Although the researchers were not able to point out a specific reason as to why the mortality rates might decrease, it is known that people tend to smoke and drink less as well as eat out and drive less often during tough economic times. The researchers also say that people come together and support each other more when times are tough. “This would improve the level of social cohesion and social support and could have a protective effect on health,” Granados states.

Here are a few tips to help you stay healthy during the recession while cutting back on spending…

1. Start Cooking! – Eating out may be convenient but it’s costly. Now’s the time to start cooking healthy. Eating a nice dinner at home with the family is a great way to get in some quality time.
2. Grow Your Own Veggies – Wouldn’t you love fresh herbs and vegetables from your very own backyard? You don’t even need a huge space. Container gardening is just as effective and it will even provide you with fresh vegetables and herbs needed to create tasty and nutritious meals.
3. Walk More & Drive Less – With the ever-rising gas prices, try walking or riding your bike to get around for a change. Walking, riding a bike and running are great ways to get in shape.
4. Rediscover Your Lunchbox – Buying lunch everyday can be very expensive. It’s time to break out the brown paper bag. And it’s cheaper and more nutritious if you plan and pack a lunch every day.
5. Get Rid of Bad Habits – Do you smoke or drink excessively? Well, now is the perfect time to quit unhealthy and expensive bad habits. Think about how much these are costing you and think of all the better things you could be doing with the money instead.
6. Give Your Family More Quality Time – Less money translates into fewer nights on the town and more time at home. You should aim to create healthier family relationships with things like family dinners, movie nights or game nights.
7. Drink More… Water – Cutting out sodas and bottled water will not only save you money but it will do wonders for your weight, skin and energy levels. Consider buying a water filter so you could drink water for free.
8. Less Meat… More Veggies – Reducing red meat and eating more vegetables and fruit not only improves energy levels but also helps the pocketbook.