Shown above is a map of the United States. Each U.S. state is highlighted in relation to its average life expectancy.
The states marked in shades of blue represent longer lifespans at over 80 years of age. The ones colored in white have the national average lifespan of 79, and those with warm colors (yellow, orange, red) have lower life expectancies.
Hawaii has the longest life expectancy of any U.S. state. Based on 2015 birth data obtained by 24/7 Wall Street, a person born in that year is expected to live for 81 years. Factors contributing to this data include the state’s low obesity rate and low smoking population, as well as excellent healthcare. California comes at a close second, with an 80-year life projection.
On the other hand, Mississippi is at the bottom of the list. Its status as the state with the lowest life expectancy has “historically” been so, with the latest projection at only 74 years. This is attributed to its residents’ unhealthy lifestyle and poverty in the area. Life expectancy is also the lowest in Kentucky and West Virginia.
These books discover the essence and drawbacks of life expectancy:
- Life and Death: The History of Overcoming Disease and What It Tells Us About Our Present Increasing Life Expectancy as a Result of Present Day Actions
- Overcharged: Why Americans Pay Too Much For Health Care
- Life EXPECTANCY: It’s Never Too Late to Change Your Game
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