ALBANY, N.Y. (STACKER) -- Life expectancy in the United States has generally been on the rise. Between 1960 and 2019, the life expectancy of Americans rose by roughly a decade to the age of 79. Greater longevity can be attributed to improved health care such as diagnostic and medical advancements, as well as healthier lifestyle choices relating to diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
Since 2020, however, life expectancy has started to decline. The opioid epidemic, COVID-19, and unintentional injuries—largely driven by drug overdoses—were the leading causes of a three-year decrease in life expectancy over the last two years. Stark disparities among certain segments of the population have also been observed. American Indians/Alaska Natives saw a life expectancy decrease of more than six years; Hispanic and Black Americans, a drop of four years; and white and Asian Americans, a decrease of about two years.
While no one single factor determines the overall health of an entire community, certain socioeconomic and environmental factors such as access to health care, substance abuse treatments, clean air, clean water, and affordable housing contribute significantly to the general health and wellbeing of the entire population.
2. Chenango County- Average life expectancy: 76.6 years (3.7 less than the statewide average)
- Health outcomes statewide rank: 57
- Length of life rank: 60
- Quality of life rank: 48
- Average life expectancy: 76.4 years (3.9 less than the statewide average)
- Health outcomes statewide rank: 58
- Length of life rank: 61
- Quality of life rank: 53
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