Life expectancy declining in 85% of US counties

Source: www.pophealthmetrics.com

A recent study found that between 2000 and 2007, more than 85% of counties in the United States fell behind the life expectancy progress in other nations despite the fact that the country spent more per capita on health care during the same period.  Race appears to be a significant factor.

While some U.S. communities showed progress, black men and women in the United States fall behind in international comparisons, living seven and eight to fifty years below international averages. Though race and class correlate with life expectancy, figures for most American communities are decreasing.

The authors recommend that addressing preventable and potentially fatal health issues such tobacco smoking, hypertension, diabetes, physical inactivity, obesity, and others would help reverse this trend.