Century-Long Study Reveals Startling Differences in Life Expectancy Across U.S. States

Published: Monday, June 16, 2025 at 2:34 pm

**Century-Long Study Reveals Stark Disparities in U.S. Life Expectancy**

A new study from the Yale School of Public Health reveals significant differences in life expectancy across U.S. states, highlighting the enduring impact of where a person is born. Researchers analyzed over 179 million death records from 1969 to 2020, focusing on birth cohorts to understand how early-life experiences and long-term social conditions shape health.

The study, published in JAMA Network Open, found that some states, particularly in the Northeast and on the West Coast, experienced substantial improvements in life expectancy over the past century. For example, life expectancy for females in states like New York and California increased by more than 20 years. In contrast, other states, especially in the South, showed minimal progress. In some Southern states, life expectancy for females increased by less than three years during the same period.

The research indicates that socioeconomic factors, access to healthcare, and public health initiatives play a crucial role in these disparities. States with fewer improvements in life expectancy often have higher poverty rates. The study also examined the rate at which mortality increased after age 35, finding that states like New York and Florida showed slower mortality increases, indicating healthier aging, while others, like Oklahoma and Iowa, saw faster escalations.

The researchers point to specific policy examples, such as California's early adoption of smoke-free workplace policies, which contributed to improved health outcomes. Conversely, states with less stringent tobacco control measures, such as Kentucky, experienced higher mortality rates. The study emphasizes that these patterns are not just historical; they reflect the cumulative effects of factors like smoking rates, healthcare access, environmental exposures, and public health investments. The researchers hope their findings will encourage greater focus on interventions like tobacco control, healthcare access, and environmental protections to improve life expectancy outcomes for future generations.

BNN's Perspective: This study underscores the critical need for targeted public health interventions and policy changes to address the persistent health disparities across the United States. While the findings are not surprising, they serve as a stark reminder of the impact of socioeconomic factors and access to resources on individual health outcomes. Policymakers should prioritize initiatives that promote equitable access to healthcare, strengthen public health infrastructure, and address the root causes of health inequalities.

Keywords: life expectancy, U.S. states, health disparities, mortality rates, birth cohorts, socioeconomic factors, public health, healthcare access, tobacco control, policy, aging, generational impact.

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