[ExI] Life expectancy reaches all-time high in U.S.

[BillK]

On 8/20/09, Max More wrote:
> Life expectancy reaches all-time high in U.S.
>  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32477402/ns/health-aging/
>
>  ATLANTA - U.S. life expectancy has risen to a new high, now standing at
> nearly 78 years, the government reported Wednesday.
>
>  The increase is due mainly to falling death rates in almost all the leading
> causes of death. The average life expectancy for babies born in 2007 is
> nearly three months greater than for children born in 2006.
>
>  ...The death rate has been falling for eight straight years, and is half of
> what it was 60 years ago.
>
>  Heart disease and cancer together are the cause of nearly half of U.S.
> fatalities. The death rate from heart disease dropped nearly 5 percent in
> 2007, and the cancer death rate fell nearly 2 percent, according to the
> report.
>


That's the good news.

Now for the bad news.
The figures are from 2007. Pre-depression. Expect worsening death
figures for 2008, 2009, 2010.
Other countries also improved, so the US is still way down the list.
Those living longer now grew up in the 1930s to 50s before the present
obesity epidemic in the US.
Look behind the total stats. The US is becoming two nations. One is
rich and long-lived, the other is poor and short-lived. A National
Health Service should help this situation.
Another point is that the US is a pretty dangerous place. Non-health
related deaths are a significant factor.

<http://www.livescience.com/health/090819-life-expectancy.html>


But, still, an improvement is still an improvement.
Mustn't grumble too much!  ;)


BillK