U.S. Life Expectancy Reaches Record High
Americans are living longer and healthier lives, thanks to lifestyle changes and better access to preventive care. In a new report, average life expectancy rates in the United States were at almost 79 years, the highest ever. Death rates for 8 of the 10 leading causes of death dropped, but suicide rates increased.
New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that life expectancy for the total United States population was 78.8 years in 2012, a record high. Conversely, death rates in the U.S. dropped 1.1% to an all-time low.
As in previous years, the report found that women tend to live longer than men by two to three years. Women have a life expectancy of 81.2 years; men have a life expectancy of 78.7 years.
The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) says that life expectancy for those born in a specific year is the average number of years a person is expected to live, based on the mortality rate that existed the year he or she was born. People born in 2012 are expected to live an average of 78.8 years, or 0.1 years more than the group born in 2011.
The NCHS data tracked life expectancy and death rates for whites, Hispanics, and African Americans, including statistics for men and women in these groups. All population groups, except Hispanics, saw a drop in mortality rates. The largest decline in death rates was among African American women.
Top 10 leading causes of death
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also released data on the leading causes of death, which remained unchanged from 2011. In order of most deaths to fewest deaths, they were:
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Chronic lower respiratory diseases
- Stroke
- Unintentional injuries
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Diabetes
- Influenza and pneumonia
- Kidney disease
- SuicideDeath rates declined for eight of the leading causes of death: Heart disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory diseases, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, influenza and pneumonia, and kidney disease all saw drops in death rates. The rate of accidental injuries resulting in death stayed the same, while the suicide rate increased by 2.4%.The drop in death rates for most of the leading causes of death may be due to better access to health services and preventive care, as well as lifestyle changes in the population. Many of the leading causes of death are preventable or more treatable if detected and treated early. For example, older adults, who have a higher risk of influenza and related complications, can lower their risk by getting a flu shot every year. Deaths caused by influenza and pneumonia had the biggest decline in the report (8.3%), likely due to improved vaccination rates for at-risk groups.
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