US Falling Behind: Report Reveals a Stark Life Expectancy Gap with UK
A new report from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health paints a concerning picture for American health.
It reveals a nearly three-year difference in life expectancy between the U.S. and the United Kingdom, with Americans averaging 78.6 years compared to 81.3 years for their British counterparts. This gap, according to the report titled "A Tale of Two Countries: The Life Expectancy Gap Between the United States and the United Kingdom," is largely driven by preventable causes of death.
"There is simply no good reason why people in the U.S. can expect to die nearly three years earlier than their counterparts across the Atlantic," says Joshua M. Sharfstein, MD, director of the Bloomberg American Health Initiative. "If we choose programmatic and policy solutions based on evidence, we will close this gap.”
The analysis, drawing on 2023 mortality data from both countries, points to a distressing trend. While life expectancy in the U.S. and the U.K. was identical in 1984, the gap has widened over time, peaking at 4.7 years during the 2022 pandemic. Diverging health and social policies, particularly around issues like diet, gun control, addiction treatment, and access to healthcare, are cited as key contributing factors.
Preventable Factors Driving the Gap:
Several factors were identified as major contributors to the life expectancy discrepancy:
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Cardiovascular disease: This leading cause of death is linked to lifestyle, environment, and societal factors. The U.S. death rate for cardiovascular disease is 38% higher than in England and Wales.
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Overdose deaths: The U.S. overdose rate is more than three times higher than in the U.K., with a staggering 31.6 deaths per 100,000 people compared to 9.3 per 100,000.
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Gun-related deaths: The stark difference in firearm-related homicides and suicides is chilling. The U.S. records 13.3 deaths per 100,000, while England and Wales see only 0.1 deaths per 100,000.
- Motor vehicle crashes: The U.S. experiences a six-fold increase in motor vehicle crash fatalities compared to England and Wales.
While COVID-19 and cancer deaths partially offset the gap, the overall picture remains alarming.
Concerning Trends for Younger Americans and Men:
The disparity in life expectancy is even more pronounced among younger Americans, particularly men.
Firearm homicide and suicide rates among those under 25 are a shocking 485.9 times higher in the U.S. compared to England and Wales.
Drug overdose rates are 4.5 times higher in the U.S. for the same age group.
Men overall have a 3.4-year gap in life expectancy, with a life expectancy of 75.9 years in the U.S. compared to 79.3 years in England and Wales.
A Call for Policy Change:
The report highlights specific policy recommendations inspired by successful UK strategies:
- Combatting Cardiovascular Disease: This includes prioritizing access to hypertension treatment, promoting healthier food choices, reducing sodium intake through food policy measures, and expanding opportunities for physical activity.
- Tackling Overdose Deaths: Expanding access to opioid use disorder treatment like methadone through community pharmacies and correctional facilities is crucial.
- Addressing Gun Violence: Implementing gun control measures, like Firearm Purchaser Licensing and Extreme Risk Protection Orders, can significantly reduce gun-related deaths.
- Investing in Mental Health: Building a robust national community mental health infrastructure, especially in underserved areas, is vital for suicide prevention.
- Road Safety Improvements: Implementing intelligent speed technology, enforcing DUI laws, and including hazard perception testing in driver licensing processes can make roads safer.
The report, presented at the seventh annual Bloomberg American Health Summit in Washington, D.C., serves as a harsh reminder of the urgent need to prioritize evidence-based policy changes to close the life expectancy gap and improve the health of Americans.
