Americans are falling further behind in health and life expectancy compared to other developed nations, according to a recent study. Life expectancy in the United States is projected to rise modestly, from 78.3 years in 2022 to 79.9 years by 2035 and 80.4 years by 2050. However, this minimal growth will cause the nation’s global ranking to plummet from 49th in 2022 to 66th in 2050 among 204 countries.
This rapid decline has raised alarm bells among researchers. Dr. Stein Emil Vollset, co-senior author of the study and affiliate professor at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington, emphasized the urgency for immediate action. He stated that the U.S. must adopt innovative health strategies and policies to reverse the downward trend and improve future health outcomes.
Not only is overall life expectancy taking a hit, but the United States is also expected to fall significantly in terms of healthy life expectancy. By 2050, the nation’s ranking for years lived in good health will drop from 80th in 2022 to 108th.
The outlook for U.S. women is particularly troubling. Female life expectancy rankings will nosedive from 19th in 1990 to 74th by 2050. Similarly, male life expectancy will drop from 35th in 1990 to 65th in 2050. This stark gender disparity underscores the pressing need for targeted health interventions.
Obesity, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure are among the primary drivers of poor health outcomes in the U.S. Researchers estimate that addressing these risk factors could prevent up to 12.4 million deaths by 2050. However, the rise in obesity remains a formidable challenge. IHME forecasts that over 260 million Americans will be affected by obesity or overweight conditions by 2050, marking an unprecedented public health crisis.
Drug-related deaths are another significant factor contributing to the decline in health rankings. Between 1990 and 2021, the U.S. experienced an alarming 878% increase in deaths caused by drug use disorders. The rate rose from 2 deaths per 100,000 people in 1990 to 19.5 deaths per 100,000 in 2021. By 2050, this figure is expected to climb to 26.7 deaths per 100,000, the highest rate globally.
Despite government efforts to combat the opioid crisis, which was declared a public health emergency in 2017, drug-related deaths continue to rise. Ali Mokdad, lead researcher and professor at IHME, highlighted the urgent need for expanded and more effective prevention and treatment programs to address this epidemic.
These health trends not only affect individuals but also have far-reaching economic implications. Poor health reduces workforce productivity, increases healthcare costs for employers and employees, and ultimately lowers the nation’s GDP. This economic burden gives peer countries with stronger health systems a competitive edge, potentially reshaping global financial and geopolitical dynamics.
Expanding access to healthcare could be a pivotal step in reversing these trends. Researchers stress the importance of universal health coverage to ensure that all Americans, regardless of income, can access high-quality medical care. Accessible healthcare enables early detection and treatment of diseases, ultimately improving national health outcomes.
By addressing these pressing health challenges, the U.S. has an opportunity to regain its footing and improve its global health standing. The study serves as a wake-up call for policymakers, healthcare providers, and the public to take collective action toward a healthier future.