American Health Falls Below Global Average, Women Most Affected

A recent study reveals that Americans have longer lifespans but poorer health compared to the global average, with women being particularly affected.

A Longevity Shadowed by Illness

A recent study reveals that Americans are living longer than ever, but these additional years are often burdened with illness and disabilities. Published in JAMA Network Open, the research highlights that the U.S. has the world’s largest gap between life expectancy and healthy life years, totaling 12.4 years.

Women Disproportionately Affected

The disparity predominantly impacts women, who experience a larger gap between life expectancy and healthy years compared to men, spending more of their lives battling illnesses.

Non-Communicable Diseases to Blame

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), which include cancers, cardiovascular diseases, mental disorders, and chronic respiratory diseases, play a significant role in this trend. These long-term care requiring conditions accounted for 71% of global deaths in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. has further worsened outcomes for individuals with NCDs, raising the risk of severe infections.

Lifestyle Changes Could Prevent NCDs

The study suggests that lifestyle adjustments such as maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and reducing alcohol and tobacco consumption could prevent up to 80% of premature heart attacks and strokes, as well as up to 50% of cancer cases.