Why the Average Life Expectancy in the U.S. Fell

For the first time since 1993 the average life expectancy in the U.S. fell.  This metric, issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC as it is known) whose headquarters is in Atlanta, made the national headlines.   The last time this important figure showed a downward slope was at the height of the AIDS epidemic.

This national measure is carefully monitored since it portrays the medical benefits afforded to its citizens.  Going up on the life expectancy scale and staying near the top when compared to other nations has been a  priority of the health industry.  It should be.  It is not only our military might or our GNP that makes us great and ranks us on top. Life expectancy figures are infinitely more valuable to seniors than winning the most gold medals at the Olympics – though no one is prouder of our athletes who return home from overseas sports competitions bearing medals.

That is why the sudden change in the upward trajectory was a more than a surprise.  It was a rude shock.  America was bound to ask: Why?

The first group that was depressingly shocked by this nightmare was the elderly. However, while the tale the numbers reflected was upsetting, it is not a burning concern for seniors. The elderly keep on living longer due to advances in medical research, the benefits of more exercise, and adopting better, more nutritional diets.

The deescalating number reflected the deaths mostly of the non-elderly. Cancer patients actually lived longer than previous studies reported. The starkest increase in untimely deaths, after Alzheimer’s disease, was unintentional injury.  Obesity, heart disease, and diabetes caused many early deaths. But since the death rate rose most critically among whites, the conclusion is that this downward spiral signaled an epidemic of opiate addiction.

This phenomenon, well documented in published articles, reflects the growing tendency by those who first bitterly sought a prescription written by a physician to be addicted to the narcotic long after the pain has subsided to a tolerable level or even ceased.  The problem is that many of the painkillers first prescribed in good faith have become the cause of future pain and hurt – even death.

What is disconcerting – as any downward slide of life expectancy even in the non-elderly should generate – is that many of these deaths could be prevented with better insurance policies.  That means that more Americans should have coverage and that insurances should cover therapies that would mitigate the harmful effects of  opiate addiction.

The life-expectancy figures will continue to be on the agenda as the Republican Party majority in Congress,  led by a Republican president who vowed its dismantlement,  attempts to overthrow much - if not all - of the Affordable Care Act instituted under the Obama presidency.  Clearly, health policies have consequences, and this vital measure will continuously be watched by politicians and everyone (old and young) interested in the ongoing fight to keep the American success story moving forward.

If only there were equally comprehensive scientific measures for qualities of life such as happiness or relevancy.

Have any thoughts on the issue?  Share them with us at www.MatureAging.com, and we may post them (only after getting your permission) in a future edition.

Till next time,

Josh