The average life expectancy in the United States is falling, with a noticeable drop between 2020 and 2021. This is the second year in a row that Americans are living shorter lives, with the latest data from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) showing life expectancy at its lowest since 1996. Currently, the average life expectancy for an American is 76 years, a decrease from 79 in 2019. This decline over the past two years is the most severe since the early 1920s.
Experts are alarmed by this trend, especially since life expectancy in the U.S. has generally increased over the last century. The downward shift is seen as a significant concern for the nation. Previously, state-specific provisional data from NCHS highlighted a decline between 2019 and 2020, with every state, including the District of Columbia, experiencing a drop in average lifespans. The extent of the decrease varied, ranging from 0.2 years to 3 years, depending on the state. Western and Northeastern states like Hawaii, Washington, Minnesota, California, and Massachusetts reported higher life expectancies, while Southern states like Mississippi and Alabama had the lowest.
The latest national data for 2021 reveals a continued decline, with certain racial and ethnic groups significantly affected. American Indian and Native Alaskan people saw a 1.9-year drop between 2020 and 2021, amounting to a 6.6-year decrease since 2019. The Hispanic and Black communities have also seen substantial reductions, while Asian Americans experienced just a slight decrease.
The primary reasons for these reductions are the COVID-19 pandemic and rising deaths from “unintentional injuries” like drug overdoses. Before the pandemic, overdoses were declining slightly, but rates surged during the pandemic. COVID-19 itself has been a major cause of mortality not seen in past years. Besides these, the pandemic disrupted access to preventive healthcare, screenings, and regular medical visits, affecting health outcomes.
Additional factors influencing life expectancy include social determinants of health, like education and lifestyle choices. The U.S. healthcare system’s focus on acute care over preventive measures also contributes to the issue. Other influences include genetics, environmental conditions, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Regardless of these challenges, adopting a healthy lifestyle can improve life expectancy. States with higher life expectancies often correlate with lower obesity rates and active lifestyles. Practicing healthy behaviors, like maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and managing stress, is crucial. Limiting alcohol, avoiding smoking and drug use, and keeping up with health screenings are also recommended.
Taking even small steps towards a healthier lifestyle can make a significant difference. Positive changes can extend life expectancy, regardless of where one lives.
