Drug overdoses, the widening obesity epidemic, and other cultural factors have an outsize impact on American life expectancy. But they’re largely the product of individuals’ choices, not a lack of universal health coverage.
U.S. life expectancy is, surprisingly enough, on the rise. According to a new study from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Americans can expect to live 80.4 years in 2050, up from 78.3 years in 2022.
But it’s rising even more in other countries. In 2050, the United States is projected to rank 66th out of 204 countries and territories, down from 49th today.
The Left tends to blame our lack of universal health coverage for this downtrend. But our lagging life expectancy is largely a function of cultural issues, such as drug overdoses and obesity. And those are social challenges over which health insurance has little sway.
Nothing contained in this blog is to be construed as necessarily reflecting the views of the Pacific Research Institute or as an attempt to thwart or aid the passage of any legislation.
What’s up with US life expectancy?
Sally C. Pipes
Drug overdoses, the widening obesity epidemic, and other cultural factors have an outsize impact on American life expectancy. But they’re largely the product of individuals’ choices, not a lack of universal health coverage.
U.S. life expectancy is, surprisingly enough, on the rise. According to a new study from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Americans can expect to live 80.4 years in 2050, up from 78.3 years in 2022.
But it’s rising even more in other countries. In 2050, the United States is projected to rank 66th out of 204 countries and territories, down from 49th today.
The Left tends to blame our lack of universal health coverage for this downtrend. But our lagging life expectancy is largely a function of cultural issues, such as drug overdoses and obesity. And those are social challenges over which health insurance has little sway.
Read the entire op-ed here.
Nothing contained in this blog is to be construed as necessarily reflecting the views of the Pacific Research Institute or as an attempt to thwart or aid the passage of any legislation.