Than We Thought. © Provided by Home Knowledge
The issue of declining life expectancy in the country has garnered increased focus
in recent times, particularly during the pandemic, where the biggest decline since
WWII was observed.
The states with the highest cancer rates in America, according to data (msn.com)
With the ongoing decline in life expectancy in the United States, a recent report reveals that Americans were at a disadvantage starting in the 1950s. Unfortunately, the situation has only worsened over time. Furthermore, a recent American Journal of Public Health study highlights over 50 countries with better life expectancy rates than the U.S., and
a few states within the U.S. may bear partial responsibility for this trend.
Dr. Steven Woolf, Life Expectancy Study – Bing video
Dr. Steven Woolf is the lead author of a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The study finds that working-age Americans are less likely to live to retirement age than at any time in recent history 1. According to an editorial by Dr. Woolf, an individual’s life expectancy in the U.S. increasingly depends on the state in which they live 2.
According to Dr. Steven Woolf, the author of the study and the Virginia Commonwealth University’s Center on Society and Health director, the issue of declining life expectancy
is more extensive and longstanding than previously believed.
These findings provide a fresh outlook on life expectancy in the United States and offer valuable insights into the necessary steps to reverse this concerning trend, as noted by experts in the field.
In the earlier half of the 20th century, the United States experienced significant advancements in public health, including improved sanitation and the widespread adoption of vaccines, which led to notable increases in life expectancy.
The recent report illustrates the continuation of this upward trend in life expectancy until the 1950s when the United States held the 12th highest ranking globally. However, starting from 1955, the growth rate hit a decline, and in 1968, the United States dropped to the 29th position.
Related video: U.S. life expectancy in decline: Working class hit hardest, expert says,
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U.S. life expectancy in decline: Working class hit hardest, expert says
Woolf’s research reveals that the decline in life expectancy started far before what was previously believed, challenging previous assumptions held by many researchers in the field.
When questioned about the origins of this issue, Dr. Woolf explained, “We previously pointed to the 1980s as the starting point because we had not thoroughly examined historical data prior to that period.” He added, “The fact that a decline in life expectancy occurred during the 1950s raises intriguing questions about the factors influencing this shift during that time.”
According to the study, the growth rate of life expectancy experienced a rebound in
1974 but declined in 1983. The latest 2021 data provided by the CDC indicates that life expectancy in the U.S. has declined to around 76 years, marking the lowest point since 1996.
Dr. Woolf clarified that the study was based on estimates provided by the U.S. Mortality Database and the U.N. Population Division. This meant that there could be a few notable variations in terms of the exact rankings and any significant changes that occur year over year.
Michal Engelman: Life Expectancy Study)
Michal Engelman is an Associate Professor of Sociology 1. She has been interviewed about the continued declines in US life expectancy 21. Life expectancy in the U.S. decreased from 2014 to 2017 by.3 years and slightly increased 2018 through 2019 by.2 years, according to CDC data. Instead of improving on those modest gains in 2020, Engelman said, the nation saw a backslide because of the pandemic 2.
However, the overall message remains consistent, as emphasized by Michal Engelman. Engelman is a University of Wisconsin-Madisonn associate professor dealing in sociology. He noted that the timeline highlighted in the study demonstrates that life expectancy is heavily determined by a number of systemic factors, many of which extend beyond the health choices of individuals.
Engelman expressed that adopting a historical perspective reminds us that we do not have predetermined circumstances and that change is possible, suggesting that there is room for future improvement as time goes on. The report reveals that since the 1950s, the pace of life expectancy growth has varied across different regions of the United States.
Dr. Woolf explains that western and northeastern states experienced the most rapid growth in life expectancy, whereas Midwestern and south-central states witnessed slower growth. He highlights the significance of this grouping of states, stating, “These states have had a disproportionate impact on the low rankings of the country in terms of life expectancy.”
On the other hand, states such as Hawaii and New York have achieved life expectancies comparable to the world’s healthiest countries. The findings of the study corroborate previous research that highlights the influence of policy decisions on our health and, consequently, life expectancy.
Michal Engelman affirms that factors affecting longevity and general health operate on various levels. She emphasizes, “The narrative surrounding our health extends well beyond elements we have the ability to individually manage or
control.”
Cancer rates along the River Basin Counties – Search (bing.com)
US cancer rates highest on the rivers, low in mountains, and deserts.
Sometimes I find I have important data that I can’t quite explain. For example, cancer rates in the US vary by more than double from county to county, but not at random.
The highest rates are on the rivers, and the lowest are in the mountains and deserts.
I don’t know why, but the map shows it’s so.
It seems the two effects cancel; see the cancer incidence map (below).
Cancer death rates map of the US age adjusted 2006-2010, by county.
From www.statecancerprofiles.cancer.gov.
Counties shown in red on the map have cancer death rates between 210 and 393 per 100,000, more than double, on average the counties in blue. These red counties are mostly along the southern Mississippi, the Arkansas branching to its left; along the Alabama, to its right, and along the Ohio and the Tennessee rivers (these rivers straddle Kentucky).
The Yukon (Alaska) shows up in bright red, while Hawaii (no major rivers) is blue; southern Alaska (mountains) is also in blue. In orange, showing less-elevated cancer death, you can make out the Delaware river between NJ and DC, the Missouri heading Northwest from the Mississippi, the Columbia, and the Colorado between the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas. For some reason, counties near the Rio Grande do not show elevated cancer death rates. nor does Northern Mississippi and Colorado south of Las Vegas.
Contrasting this are areas of low cancer death, 56 to 156 deaths per year per 100,000, shown in blue. These appear along the major mountain ranges: The Rockies (both in the continental US and Alaska), the Sierra Nevada, and the Appalachian range. Virtually every mountain county appears in blue. Desert areas of the west also appear as blue, low cancer regions: Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Idaho, Colorado, south-west Texas and southern California. Exceptions to this are the oasis areas in the desert: Lake Tahoe in western Nevada and Lake Meade in southern nevada. These oases stand out in red showing high cancer-death rates in a sea of low. Despite the AIDS epidemic and better health care, the major cities appear average in terms of cancer.
My first thought of an explanation was pollution: that the mountains were cleaner, and thus healthier, while industry had polluted the rivers so badly that people living there were cancer-prone. I don’t think this explanation fits, quite, since I’d expect the Yukon to be pollution free, while the Rio Grande should be among the most polluted. Also, I’d expect cities like Detroit, Cleveland, Chicago, and New York to be pollution-heavy, but they don’t show up for particularly high cancer rates. A related thought was that specific industries are at fault: oil, metals, chemicals, or coal, but this too doesn’t quite fit: Utah has coal, southern California has oil, Colorado has mining, and Cleveland was home to major Chemical production.
Another thought is poverty: that poor people live along the major rivers, while richer, healthier ones live in the mountains. The problem here is that the mountains and deserts are home to some very poor counties with low cancer rates, e.g. in Indian areas of the west and in South Florida and North Michigan. Detroit is a very poor city, with land polluted by coal, steel, and chemical manufacture — all the worst industries, you’d expect. We’re home to the famous black lagoon, and to Zug Island, a place that looks like Hades when seen from the air. The Indian reservation areas of Arizona are, if anything, poorer yet.
Parishes that comprise Cancer Alley Louisiana – Bing video
Cancer Alley – Wikipedia
Cancer Alley (French: Allée du Cancer) is the regional nickname given to an 85-mile (137 km) stretch of land[1] along the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, in the River Parishes of Louisiana, which contains over 200[2] petrochemical plants and refineries.[3] This area accounts for 25% of the petrochemical production in the United States.[4]
Environmentalists consider the region a sacrifice zone where rates of cancer caused
by air pollution exceed the federal government‘s own limits of acceptable risk.[5]
Others have referred to the same region as “Death Alley“.[6]
Community leaders such as Sharon Lavigne have led the charge in protesting the expansion of the petrochemical industry in Cancer Alley, as well as addressing the associated racial and economic disparities.[7]
A Hidden America: Children of the Plains – Bing video
Diane Sawyer takes an in-depth look at the young dreamers and survivors of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, fighting against decades of neglect. Diane Sawyer travels to Pine Ridge Indian Reservation where some of the proudest Americans, living in unthinkable conditions, refuse to be defeated — a young girl filled with “American Idol” dreams, yet facing a life-changing reality; a high school quarterback whose strength and spirit knows no bounds; a magical little girl filled with hope.
For over a year, as she has done with the poverty-stricken children from parts of Appalachia and Camden, New Jersey, Sawyer and her team followed young fighters and dreamers, this time from the Lakota Indian Tribe in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, living in the shadows of Mount Rushmore. A once-mighty people desperately trying to hold on, Sawyer finds that even with all of its grinding poverty and alcoholism, it’s a place from which warriors can still rise. This program also profiles law enforcement officials, schools, individuals and businesses that are helping to change Pine Ridge for the better. Amazing Native American Heritage Sites And Attractions To Visit Right Now (msn.com)
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Amish have a longer life expectancy.
The Amish are a religious group that live far from modern comforts and follow a strict set of rules. They have a longer life expectancy than other Americans: 85 years on average, compared to 78 years for an American adult 1. This is despite the fact that they have limited access to health care and modern medicine 2. The Amish have a lower risk of serious illnesses that affect late-life health quality, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease 3.
People in Loma Linda have a longer life expectancy,
Loma Linda is a “blue zone” designated by National Geographic as one of the five longest-living communities in the world 1. The average life expectancy in Loma Linda is higher than the national average, with residents being 10 times more likely to live to 100 than typical Americans 21. The average male in Loma Linda lives to 89, the average woman to 91, both of which are ten years longer than the national average 2.
A Hidden America: Children of the Mountains (1 of 3)
It’s been 55 years since Robert Kennedy called on the rest of America to reach out & help the people of Appalachia. These are the descendents of Davey Crockett, Daniel Boone, Loretta Lynn and Patsy Cline and the families of legendary soldiers and pioneers who helped open up the treacherous mountain passes and create an American continent.
They are fighters steeped in family, ferocity and faith.
10 Places in America Where People Live the Longest
Story by Carrie Madormo
Road trip couple looking out at Rocky Mountains from four wheel convertible,
Breckenridge, Colorado, USA © Image Source/Shutterstock
Summit County, Colorado
The residents of Summit County, Colorado, boast a median lifespan of 86.8 years (compared to the nationwide median life expectancy of 79 years.), so they know a thing or two about living their best lives, according to a 2018 report from realtor.com. Home to the ski town of Breckenridge, Summit County offers a variety of outdoor sports for its active population. In addition to spending more time outdoors, the residents value healthy diets:
There is not one fast food restaurant in the entire city of Breckenridge. With rates of obesity and diabetes on the rise across the country, the expected American lifespan is shrinking for the first time. Cutting out the happy meals keeps Summit County residents fit and healthy.
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This photo shows a curving river at Theodore Roosevelt N.Park
in Medora, N.D., © Beth J. Harpaz/Shutterstock
Marking the landscape in colorful patterns as it interacts with soil and stone.
Teddy Roosevelt spent time in the area to grieve after his wife and mother died
the same day, and his experiences there turned the future president into one of
America’s greatest conservationists. He described the area as
Billings County, North Dakota
Residents of this rural area can expect to live to 84, thanks to their active lifestyle and the county’s clean air. Billings County is home to ranchers who do physical labor every day; walking and horseback riding is the norm. The county is also free of the smog and stress that accompany life in a bigger city. Chronic stress can affect your lifespan, and actually make you age faster, according to a 2022 study by Yale researchers. Reducing stress by avoiding crazy commutes and large crowds helps keep these residents calm and healthy.
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The San Francisco Bay Bridge in the foreground and the Golden Gate Bridge
in the background at sunset as seen from the San Francisco Bay in San Francisco,
California, USA, 11 May 2018. © JOHN G. MABANGLO/Shutterstock
Marin County, California
This county’s progressive laws & abundance of doctors make healthy lifestyles the norm.
One explanation for residents reaching the median age of 83.8 years could be the county’s bans on both smoking and wood-burning heaters. There is also about one primary care doctor for every 630 residents and one mental health provider for every 140 people. According to the National CPR Association, a shortage of physicians is one of the most common reasons adults don’t seek medical care—and that directly impacts a person’s lifespan.
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Aaron Moorer looks for a book in the library at Hampden-Sydney College
in Hampden Sydney, Va., . © Steve Helber/Shutterstock
Moorer is from Fairfax County Va., where It’s an annual rite in Fairfax County,
where hundreds of second-graders troop off to private psychologists, taking
IQ tests to prove they’re worthy of the county’s advanced academic programs.
Data shows that worthy black and Hispanic students are mostly left out
Fairfax County, Virginia
It’s common for Fairfax residents to bike to work, which may explain why they have a median lifespan of 83.7 years. Education levels help too: About two-thirds of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to just 34% of Americans overall—and higher education is tied to healthy habits. Of course, education can lead to a higher income, and researchers have found that living in a more affluent community can tack on years to your life. Men are especially impacted by education; studies suggest that those with higher levels of education outlive men with lower levels of education.
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This photo also provided by Andy Varner, city administrator for
Sand Point, Alaska, shows the city’s harbor. © AP/Shutterstock
The small, isolated town at the edge of Alaska’s Aleutian Islands had no police oversight for several days after its three officers quit in quick succession and its police chief resigned. Officials say the predicament that befell Sand Point illustrates the persistent challenges of hiring and retaining workers in rural parts of the vast state. Town officials say no big problems occurred when officers were absent
Aleutians East Borough, Alaska
Not many people are lining up to move to rural Aleutians East Borough, Alaska—which might be a mistake. The residents there live an average of 83.7 years, thanks in part to their diets. With few grocery stores, the people of Aleutians East Borough are accustomed to hunting and fishing for their meals. Their clean diets just might be adding years to their lives. Studies show that the healthier food you eat, the longer you’re expected to live. Even focusing on just one healthy meal per day can cut your risk of premature death by as much as 8 to 17%.
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Wide open landscape, Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas, USA
© Norbert Eisele-Hein/Shutterstock
Presidio County, Texas
Residents of Presidio County have a median lifespan of 83.7 years and boast
a tight-knit community. Those close relationships may be keeping this predominantly Hispanic community healthier. According to the longest running study of adult health and happiness in the world, published in a January 2023 book, The Good Life, the people most satisfied in their relationships at age 50 were the healthiest at age 80. The residents also have access to Texas’s largest state park, Big Bend Ranch, with year-round opportunities for hiking and biking.
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Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Marine Sgt. Russ Mullins, left,
© Elaine Thompson/Shutterstock
Talks with fishermen who inadvertently boated too close to passing orca whales in the Salish Sea in the San Juan Islands, Wash. The combination of boats and whales has state and federal authorities worried, especially this year, now that the Southern Resident pod of killer whales has four new calves. By federal and state law, boaters are required to stay 200 yards parallel from the orcas and give them 400 yards in front
San Juan County, Washington
This seaside county can thank its low-key lifestyle for the residents’ median lifespan
of 83.7 years. Fishing and shrimping are favorite pastimes, and so is volunteering.
Many of San Juan’s residents are involved with charities and nonprofits. According to a meta-analysis in Psychology and Aging, older adults who volunteered reduced their risk of death by 47 percent. Volunteering not only provides crucial social interaction, but it also provides a sense of purpose.
Check out more Science-Backed Reasons Volunteering Is Actually a Powerful Way to Feel Healthier.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico, USA, America
Excavated kivas, © Oliver Gerhard/Shutterstock
Los Alamos County, New Mexico
Home to Los Alamos National Laboratory, the county attracts well-educated residents who also love the outdoor lifestyle. Residents here can expect to live to 83.5 years, thanks in part to their higher levels of education. The area is also home to Pajarito Mountain Ski Area and two national parks, giving residents the chance to ski and hike whenever they like. Staying active every day is strongly linked to living longer.
Even walking briskly once per day can add several years to your life.
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Top view Grand Prismatic spring from Fairy Falls trail, Midway Geyser Basin,
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming © joojoob27/Shutterstock
Teton County, Wyoming
It would be difficult to not stay fit in Teton County, home to Jackson Hole and Yellowstone National Park. Residents can ski and hike in the fresh mountain air, boosting the median lifespan to 83.5 years. Hosting these popular travel destinations also means the county stays affluent, and wealthy Americans can expect to live up to 15 years longer than those living in poverty.
Blooming Purple wreath (Petrea volubilis) on pergola, Naples Botanical Garden
flowering © imageBROKER/Shutterstock
Collier County, Florida
Residents here can likely credit their access to health care for their median lifespan of
83.4 years. The NCH Healthcare System in Naples, Florida, is one of the best in the nation. Not only do the doctors and health services rank high, but even the hospital cafeterias offer better options than the typical burgers and fries. According to a study in Social Science and Medicine, having access to quality health care can increase your odds of living longer by as much as 22 to 68%.
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