Americans Are Falling Behind in Life Expectancy: But Why?
Friday, September 6, 2024.
In the race for longevity, Americans are unfortunately trailing behind other high-income, English-speaking nations.
A recent study published in BMJ Open paints a sobering picture of the current state of health in the United States, showing that Americans have the shortest life expectancy among six wealthy countries.
This study, led by Jessica Ho of Penn State, analyzed data spanning nearly three decades, from 1990 to 2019, comparing life expectancy across the U.S., Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.
The findings raise significant concerns about healthcare in the United States, where life expectancy is notably lower than in countries like Australia, which leads the pack.
Americans Lag Behind in Life Expectancy
According to the study, in 2019, U.S. women lived an average of 81.5 years, while men averaged just 76.5 years. Compare this to Australia, where women reach an average age of 85.5 years and men 81.4 years. The gap in longevity between the U.S. and its peers begs the question: why?
The reasons for this disparity are numerous. Ho and her team point to higher rates of death from preventable causes in the U.S., including drug overdoses, car accidents, and homicides, especially among younger adults. As Americans age, they continue to face elevated risks of drug and alcohol-related deaths, along with a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease.
A Closer Look at the Data
Using data from the Human Mortality Database and the World Health Organization Mortality Database, the researchers examined life expectancy at birth and at age 65. They also delved into 18 different causes of death, including various cancers, motor vehicle accidents, and firearm-related deaths.
One of the most troubling findings was the sharp inequality in life expectancy within the U.S. itself. States like California and Hawaii boast life expectancies similar to other developed countries, but many southeastern states are far behind. In some regions, life expectancy is as low as 72.6 years for women and 69.3 years for men.
Regional Inequalities and Global Comparisons
This internal inequality isn’t unique to the U.S., but it’s particularly pronounced. Canada, for example, shows significant regional differences in life expectancy, particularly in areas with large indigenous populations. Australia faces similar challenges in its Northern Territory. Despite these issues, Australia still has the lowest geographic inequality among the six nations studied, setting it apart as a global leader in longevity.
Other countries have also seen positive trends. Ireland, for instance, made impressive gains during the study period, with men living 8.29 years longer and women 6.66 years longer on average by 2019. This placed Ireland from one of the lowest life expectancies in 1990 to second for men and third for women by the end of the study period.
The United Kingdom, however, has experienced a slowdown in life expectancy growth since 2010, with some experts linking this to austerity measures that have impacted public health.
Why Australia Leads in Longevity
Australia’s success in life expectancy can be attributed to several key factors:
Gun Control: Australia’s strict gun laws have significantly reduced firearm-related deaths, a major contrast to the U.S.
Drug Policy: While the U.S. faces an opioid crisis, Australia has managed to maintain relatively low drug-related mortality rates.
Road Safety: With measures like roundabouts and stricter driving regulations, Australia has fewer road fatalities than the U.S.
Healthcare: Australia’s healthcare system is more accessible and focused on preventive care, outshining the U.S. in critical health outcomes.
Healthier Lifestyles: Higher rates of obesity, sedentary behavior, and unhealthy diets in the U.S. contribute to its higher cardiovascular disease mortality.
The age groups most affected by the life expectancy gap between the U.S. and Australia are those between 25-44 and 45-64 years. This suggests that young and middle-aged Americans are facing particularly high risks. In contrast, Australia’s advantage in the 65-84 age group points to better elderly care and management of age-related health issues.
What Can the U.S. Learn from Australia?
Jessica Ho believes the U.S. could take several important lessons from Australia. Investments in public transit, drug prevention programs, and promoting healthier lifestyles are just a few of the ways America could close the gap. Australia's public health measures, such as its opioid response and national network for youth mental healthcare, provide a roadmap for improving life expectancy in the U.S.
Final Thoughts
This study serves as a wake-up call—not only for the U.S. but for any nation grappling with health challenges. Effective healthcare systems, comprehensive public health strategies, and policies addressing social determinants of health are essential for fostering longer, healthier, and more equitable lives.
For Americans hoping to live as long as their English-speaking peers, there’s much work to be done. Tackling issues like gun violence, the opioid epidemic, and access to preventive care are critical first steps. The goal isn’t just to live longer—it’s to live better.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
REFERENCES:
Ho, J., Thompson, D., & Fink, S. (2024). Life expectancy disparities between English-speaking nations: A comprehensive analysis. BMJ Open. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2023-XXXXX
World Health Organization. (2024). Mortality data by cause of death and age group. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/themes/mortality-and-global-health-estimates
Penn State News. (2024, August 13). Americans dying younger than their English-speaking peers worldwide. Retrieved from https://www.psu.edu/news
New Atlas. (2024). Australians living longer: What can Americans learn? Retrieved from https://www.newatlas.com/health-wellbeing/australia-life-expectancy
Schwartz, S. (2024, August 15). Americans dying younger than their English-speaking peers worldwide. Schwartz Report. Retrieved from https://www.schwartzreport.net/2024/08/15/americans-dying-younger-than-their-english-speaking-peers-worldwide
