Americans’ life expectancy fell again in 2021, continuing a trend that began in 2014 and widening the gap with other wealthy countries, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention..
The average American’s life expectancy at birth was 76.1 years in 2021, down from 77.0 years in 2020. This is the lowest level since 1996, when life expectancy was 75.9 years..
The decline in life expectancy is due to a number of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the opioid crisis, and rising rates of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes..
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on life expectancy, especially among older adults. According to the CDC, the pandemic caused a 1.5-year decline in life expectancy in 2020 and a 0.9-year decline in 2021..
The opioid crisis is another major factor contributing to the decline in life expectancy. According to the CDC, drug overdose deaths increased by 17% in 2021, reaching a record high of 107,622 deaths..
Rising rates of chronic diseases are also contributing to the decline in life expectancy. According to the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, followed by cancer and diabetes..
The decline in life expectancy in the United States is a serious concern. It is a sign that the country’s health care system is not meeting the needs of its citizens..
The United States is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, but it has one of the lowest life expectancies among wealthy countries. This is due to a number of factors, including the high cost of health care, the lack of access to affordable housing, and the high rates of poverty..
The United States needs to take action to address the decline in life expectancy. This includes investing in affordable housing, expanding access to health care, and reducing the rates of poverty..
The decline in life expectancy in the United States is a wake-up call. It is a sign that the country’s health care system is not meeting the needs of its citizens. The United States needs to take action to address this issue and ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to live long and healthy lives..
