The good news about a longer life is paired with even more promising news: The CDC reported that the 2009 death rate in the United States decreased for the 10th consecutive year, which is a new all-time low of 741 deaths per 100,000 people, or about 2.43 million deaths in the U.S. in 2009. Can you compare this to the number of deaths in 1957?
Whether we credit this to modern medicine, technology or some newfound health awareness, our culture is still plagued with killers, specifically smoking, overeating, and a lack of exercise. The U.S. National Research Council has concluded that while our life expectancy is indeed rising, it’s rising more slowly than in any other modernized countries, primarily because of these factors.
“I think it’s well noted that [Americans] don’t live a particularly healthy life,” Antell admits. “But even just in the last couple of years, people are making personal decisions to exercise, follow nutrition guidelines, and live a better quality life. There are a lot of tools and information out there…now we see walking paths and people outside walking, and you never used to see that.”
Heart disease was the biggest health-related threat in 1957, causing 500 deaths per 100,000 people. While heart disease is still the nation’s leading cause of death and a real threat to longevity, the American Heart Association reported the 2006 heart disease death rates at an average of 153 per 100,000. Deaths caused by heart disease declined 36.4 percent from 1996 to 2006.
Cancer was also steadily increasing in 1957, causing 160 deaths per 100,000 people with the possibility of many more in the coming years. However, thanks to earlier cancer detection, improved treatments, and fewer people smoking, a 2010 report by the American Cancer Society stated that cancer death rates fell 21 percent for men and 12 percent among women from 1991 to 2006.
“You may not think your risk is high; but when it’s laid out for you, the perception versus reality is a wake-up call. People should really evaluate where they are and what their risks are…we all have that ‘A-Ha! Moment’ at different points in our lives,” Antell says.
According to Antell, that “A-Ha! Moment” could include a person knowing they are in danger of developing diabetes based on their lifestyle and family history, but choosing to be passive about bettering their lifestyle until a relative dies by a diabetes-related cause. All of a sudden, they know their life depends on a critical lifestyle change.
“What it boils down to is are people going to be passive or active about their health? People used to think that health is something you have or you don’t, which is passive,” says Roskelley. “Obviously we’re shifting toward an active role in health, because so much of what you can do can impact the quality of life. The industry is pushing people toward taking on an active roll, but it all boils down to the individual…are you going to be active or passive?”
Some critics have said that the poor access to healthcare in America may be another reason the life expectancy rate isn’t increasing as quickly as in other countries, which Roskelley says is probably not the case.
“It all comes back to, regardless of the system, if people play an active role, it’s more likely they will increase their quality of life and life expectancy,” he says. “Different health systems have the same issues that we do, and the big challenge of the individual is managing chronic [lifestyle] diseases. Some people have no choice whatsoever, but so much is impacted by lifestyle.”
Countries with the highest average life expectancy:
1. Monaco, located in South Western Europe on the Mediterranean Sea: 89.73
2. Macau, in the People’s Republic of China: 84.41
3. San Marino, the third smallest country in Europe: 83.01
4. Andorra, bordered by Spain and France in Southwestern Europe: 82.43
5. Japan, an island nation in East Asia: 82.25
6. Guernsey, located in the English Channel but not a part of the United Kingdom: 82.16
7. Singapore, a Southeast Asia island country made up of 63 islands: 82.14
8. Hong Kong, one of the most densely populated areas in the world and located on China’s southern coast: 82.04
9. Australia, known as the world’s largest island and positioned in the Southern Hemisphere: 81.81
10. Italy, located in South Central Europe and known for a high education level and labor force: 81.77
Source: The CIA World Factbook
