Life expectancy in the United States has declined for the third consecutive year. The average life expectancy at birth in the United States was 78.6 years in 2022, down from 78.7 years in 2021. The decline is being driven by a number of factors, including the opioid epidemic, the COVID-19 pandemic, and rising rates of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), life expectancy in the US has fallen to its worst levels since 1996, marking the second straight year of plummeting estimates in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The drop in life expectancy from 2019 to 2021 is now the country’s worst two-year decline, falling by 2.7 years to 76.1[1].
Another report from the CDC shows that non-Hispanic American Indian-Alaskan Native people had the biggest drop in life expectancy in 2021 – 1.9 years. Non-Hispanic white people in the United States had the second biggest decline in life expectancy in 2021 – one full year from 77.4 in 2020 to 76.4 in 2021. Non-Hispanic Black people had the third biggest decline, a 0.7 year drop[2].
The average life expectancy of Americans fell precipitously in 2020 and 2021, the sharpest two-year decline in nearly 100 years and a stark reminder of the toll exacted on the nation by the continuing coronavirus pandemic. Until now, experts have been accustomed to measuring life expectancy changes in increments of months, not years. Even small declines in life expectancy of a tenth or two-tenths of a year mean that on a population level, a lot more people are dying prematurely than they really should be[3].
A report from NPR highlights that American life expectancy is lower than that of Cuba, Lebanon, and Chechnya. In response to NPR’s request for comment for this story, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) pointed to a subsequent panel on midlife mortality, several initiatives the agency has undertaken on disparities between subgroups within the US, and a recent paper funded by NIH that looked again at international life expectancy[4].
Citations:
[1] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/u-s-life-expectancy-drops-worst-two-year-decline-in-a-century-covid-pandemic/
[2] https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2022/20220831.htm
[3] https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/31/health/life-expectancy-covid-pandemic.html
[4] https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/03/25/1164819944/live-free-and-die-the-sad-state-of-u-s-life-expectancy
The Dwindling Life Expectancy in the United States: Causes, Implications, and Prospective Solutions
Introduction: A Sobering Perspective on Longevity
Life expectancy, a crucial indicator of the overall health of a population, has experienced a shocking decline in the United States for the third consecutive year. With a current average life expectancy of 78.6 years in 2022, down from 78.7 years in 2021, the U.S. faces a disturbing trend that calls for a comprehensive review of the country’s public health policies and strategies.
Examining the Drivers of Decline
The decline in life expectancy is being primarily driven by three interconnected factors: the opioid epidemic, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the increase in chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. All these elements are making a significant contribution to the sharp drop in American longevity.
The Opioid Crisis
The opioid crisis has severely impacted American society, contributing to an increased number of premature deaths. As addiction rates continue to rise, the impact on life expectancy follows suit, a problem that needs urgent attention.
The COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacted a severe toll on the nation, resulting in a precipitous drop in life expectancy in 2020 and 2021. This represents the sharpest two-year decline in nearly 100 years, underscoring the deadly impact of the pandemic on the nation.
Rising Rates of Chronic Diseases
Chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer are another critical element affecting life expectancy. These diseases have shown a steady upward trend over recent years, suggesting a need for greater emphasis on preventative care and early detection.
CDC Reports: Racial Disparities and Their Consequences
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports have revealed stark racial disparities in these declines. Non-Hispanic American Indian-Alaskan Native people saw the most significant drop in life expectancy in 2021, at 1.9 years. Non-Hispanic white people experienced the second most substantial decline at one full year, and Non-Hispanic Black people saw a 0.7 year decrease. These findings highlight the urgent need to address health inequities and improve access to healthcare for all Americans.
An International Perspective: Falling Behind Other Countries
In a striking comparison, American life expectancy has fallen below that of countries such as Cuba, Lebanon, and Chechnya. This discrepancy points to the necessity for a comprehensive review of health policies and further research on international best practices in public health to improve the United States’ standing.
Towards a More Promising Future: NIH Initiatives
In light of these concerning trends, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has initiated several programs focusing on the disparities between different subgroups within the U.S. Their recent research also explores international life expectancy, aiming to gain insights that could inform strategies to reverse the decline.
Conclusion: Time for Action
The declining life expectancy in the United States presents a pressing challenge to public health experts, policymakers, and the general population. It is critical that multi-faceted, wide-reaching strategies are implemented to tackle this issue, with the aim of achieving improved health and longevity for all Americans.
Keywords: life expectancy, United States, decline, opioid epidemic, COVID-19 pandemic, chronic diseases, heart disease, cancer, CDC, racial disparities, health inequities, NIH, public health policies, preventative care, early detection, international comparison, health strategies.