Home / Health / US Life Expectancy Hits Record 79 Years
US Life Expectancy Hits Record 79 Years
3 Feb
Summary
- US life expectancy reached a record high of 79 years in 2024.
- Declining drug overdose deaths significantly contributed to the rise.
- The US still lags behind developed nations like Japan and Canada.
Federal officials announced that U.S. life expectancy reached an all-time high of 79 years in 2024. This record reflects the nation's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, which is no longer among the top ten causes of death. The improved figures are also attributed to a substantial 26 percent drop in drug overdose deaths, the largest such decline ever recorded.
While this marks significant progress, U.S. life expectancy still trails behind other developed nations such as Japan, Switzerland, and Canada. Historically, U.S. life expectancy last peaked just under 79 years in 2014 before stagnating. The pandemic caused a notable decline, but recent data indicates a positive reversal.
Decreased death rates from heart disease and cancer, attributed to medical advancements, also contributed to the increase. However, concerns remain about future trends, with reported increases in measles and whooping cough as recommended childhood vaccines were cut. The CDC's findings highlight a complex public health landscape.
