A long, healthy life is the goal for many Americans, but life expectancy in the United States is lagging, compared with other high-income nations.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average life expectancy in the United States is 79 years old.
In the United Kingdom, that number is 81.3, more than a two year difference.
And the average life expectancy in European countries like Sweden, Italy, and Spain is 84.
A number of factors contribute to this life expectancy gap, including overdose deaths, gun violence, and high rates of chronic illness, such as heart disease.
The news isn’t all bleak, however. There are things anyone can do to lower their risk of many age-related diseases, add years to their lifespan, and make the dream of a long, healthy life a reality. The key is to start building those healthy habits now.
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