US life expectancy has increased by almost a year, rebounding to pre-pandemic levels, thanks in part to a significant drop in COVID-19 deaths. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average life expectancy in 2023 reached 78.4 years, an increase of nearly 11 months from 2022.
The decline in COVID-19 deaths is largely responsible for the rebound, with cases plummeting by 73% last year as vaccination rates improved. However, it’s not just COVID-19 that’s contributing to the increased longevity – age-adjusted death rates also dropped for nine of the top 10 causes of death, excluding cancer.
One notable exception is drug overdose deaths, which decreased by 4% in 2023. This marks a significant shift from previous years, when overdose deaths had surged. The decline is attributed to efforts to distribute opioid reversal medication and increase access to addiction treatments.
Data shows that Americans’ average lifespan lags behind other wealthy nations. However, the latest findings suggest that public health efforts are paying off, with overdose deaths continuing to decline through mid-2024. Experts attribute this success to increased access to naloxone and buprenorphine treatment programs.
Longevity has improved across all age groups, races, and genders. Death rates decreased for adults aged 25-34, 45-54, and 55-64 by more than 9%. The increase in life expectancy is attributed to a range of factors, including vaccination efforts, increased access to healthcare, and improved public health initiatives.
The CDC’s latest data provide hope that the trend will continue. As Dr. Steven Woolf notes, “These strategies to help people who are using drugs avoid dying from fentanyl are beginning to pay off.”
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2024/12/19/american-lifespans-increased-in-2023/77051138007