Coverage, Access and Quality | U.S. Life Expectancy Below That of 41 Other Nations - Kaisernetwork.org

Coverage, Access and Quality | U.S. Life Expectancy Below That of 41 Other Nations - Kaisernetwork.org:

"Life expectancy in the U.S. has reached its highest point ever, but it is exceeded by the rates in 41 other countries, the AP/Arizona Daily Star reports. The U.S. has been slipping for decades in international rankings of life expectancies as other countries are improving health care, nutrition and lifestyles, according to the AP/Daily Star. Countries that rank above the U.S. include Japan, most of Europe, Jordan and the Cayman Islands. A U.S. resident born in 2004 has a life expectancy of 77.9 years, placing the U.S. in 42nd place, down from 11th place two decades ago. "

Comment: For the richest nation in the world to be so low in the rankings for life expectancy is a major public health failing. It is of course largely the fault of the Bush Administrations which were in power during most of the time that the decline took place (and to the Republicans who torpedoed the Clinton health reforms). If we were to have strong programs to encourage life style reforms, health insurance for all of our people, and a more equitable distribution of income and wealth, we would not need to stay at 42nd! JAD