It may come as a surprise, but life expectancy in America is on the decline—despite the staggering amounts we spend on healthcare. So, what’s behind this troubling trend? What are other high-longevity countries doing differently? And most importantly, what steps can we take to add more healthy years to our lives? Today, we’re diving into the factors shaping the average American lifespan and exploring what it takes to turn the tide.
Life Expectancy in America
As of 2022, the average life expectancy of Americans is 77.5 years, or 74.8 years for men and 80.2 years for women. That puts the United States in 48th place out of 195 recognized countries. For perspective, Saudi Arabia is currently in 50th place, Chile is 39th, Qatar is 23rd, Sweden is 14th, Australia is 6th, and South Korea, Japan, and Hong Kong lead the world at 3rd, 2nd, and 1st place.
Why does America rank so low compared to its high-income counterparts? Life expectancy depends on so many factors–income level, the availability and affordability of quality healthcare, access to low-cost nutritious foods and clean water, lifestyles punctuated by movement, social interactions, mental wellness, and many, many more. While it would require a lot more research and variable isolation to make accurate conclusions, it may be useful to look at what life is like for the average person living in Hong Kong, the standing longevity champion.
Life in Hong Kong
As is the case with many countries in Asia, a cultural consideration of the elderly plays a role in Hong Kong’s rank. Many communities are designed to be age-friendly, meaning that urban planners devote special attention to designing towns and cities that help older individuals stay active, stay social, and stay safe as they age. Public spaces are engineered to be easy to walk and barrier-free, public transportation is user-friendly and inexpensive, and access to natural spaces for gathering and socializing is prioritized.
Additionally, Hong Kong’s traditional diet of whole grains like rice, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins like fish is life-preserving. Plus, public policy strongly discourages smoking, provides universal healthcare, and effectively curbs mother and infant mortality rates.
The story is different in the United States. The focus of urban planning is placed on the active, working citizenry, prioritizing things like housing development for young individuals and families, corporate spaces for the workforce, and shopping centers to stimulate the economy and create jobs. Little consideration is devoted to making developed and developing areas age-friendly, reinforcing the cultural norm that America’s elderly population is isolated, sick, and sedentary. Public transportation is underfunded and underutilized so older individuals must either be able to operate a vehicle, secure rides from loved ones or friends, or stay in place. Standard American diets are high in hidden sodium, sugar, processed grains, and dangerous sources of fat. American healthcare is under reform but remains one of the most expensive systems in the world, and the infant mortality rate is 71% higher than in comparable countries.
Changes That Add Years
While the average American has little influence on urban planning and the chemical makeup of the food on grocery store shelves, there is still time and hope to win extra years of life. Here are a few things you can do to help turn the tide and keep the United States healthy and happy for longer…
- Advocate for Affordable Healthcare – Contact representatives about policies that expand access to preventative care, lower prescription drug prices, and improve maternal/infant health programs.
- Educate Yourself & Others on Nutrition – Learn about whole, unprocessed foods and support transparent food labeling. Advocate for policies that encourage healthier school lunches and food assistance programs.
- Create a Walkable Community – Push for local pedestrian-friendly initiatives like sidewalks, crosswalks, and public parks that encourage movement and social interaction.
- Support Mental Health Initiatives – Loneliness and depression impact longevity. Join or advocate for local programs that provide mental health resources, social activities for seniors, or mentorship opportunities.
- Adopt Healthy Lifestyle Habits – Quit smoking, limit alcohol intake, and incorporate daily movement into your routine to personally improve longevity while setting an example for others.
If you’d like to read more about how you can extend your lifespan, check out our article ‘Health Habits To Give You A Longer Lasting Life.’
This article was updated on 2/26/2025.