The United States is facing a significant challenge in maintaining its health progress compared to other countries around the world, according to a recent analysis published in The Lancet. Researchers at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) have conducted a detailed study on the health trends in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., projecting life expectancy, mortality, and morbidity rates from 1990 to 2050.
Life expectancy in the U.S. is expected to rise from 78.3 years in 2022 to 79.9 years in 2035 and 80.4 years in 2050. However, despite this modest increase, the country’s global ranking is projected to drop from 49th in 2022 to 66th in 2050 among 204 countries and territories included in the Global Burden of Disease study. While mortality rates have decreased for leading causes of death such as heart disease, cancer, and stroke, the U.S. is forecasted to fall behind in healthy life expectancy rankings.
Of particular concern is the declining health of women in the U.S., with female healthy life expectancy predicted to decrease in 20 states by 2050. The gap between male and female life expectancy rankings is widening, with the U.S. projected to rank 74th globally for females and 65th for males by 2050. This places the U.S. below many high-income and some middle-income countries in terms of life expectancy.
The study also highlights alarming trends in mortality rates related to drug use disorders, with a significant increase recorded between 1990 and 2021. The U.S. faces the highest drug use-related mortality rate in the world, with forecasts showing a further 34% increase by 2050. Efforts to address the opioid epidemic and other substance use disorders are crucial to prevent further escalation of these rates.
IHME researchers have outlined recommendations based on their findings, emphasizing the importance of universal health coverage, access to preventive care, and investments in community health programs. Addressing risk factors such as obesity, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure could potentially avert millions of deaths in the U.S. by 2050.
The study serves as a comprehensive assessment of the state of population health in the U.S., highlighting the need for immediate action to reverse the decline in health outcomes. Policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the public are urged to collaborate in implementing strategies that promote a healthier and stronger nation. By addressing key risk factors and investing in preventive care, the U.S. can work towards improving its global health rankings and ensuring a healthier future for all its residents.
