Politics and Health Care

Life Expectancy Drops For U.S. Citizens

For decades, the United States has been slipping in international rankings of life expectancy, just as other countries improve health care, nutrition and lifestyles.

A baby born in the United States in 2004 will live an average of 77.9 years. That life expectancy ranks 42nd, down from 11th two decades earlier, according to a recent Associated Press report.

Researchers said several factors have contributed to the United States falling behind other industrialized nations, including:

• high obesity rates
• racial disparities
• a relatively high percentage of infant mortality

ILC-USA President & CEO Robert N. Butler, M.D. was interviewed about the phenomenon by BBC World:

To hear his complete thoughts, click on our Related Links, below.

Related Links: Watch Robert N. Butler Interviewed by BBC World, Read Article on CNN.com

Keywords: politics & health care

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