US life expectancy hits record 79 years as overdose and disease deaths fall

The CDC reports U.S. life expectancy reached 79 years in 2024, the highest on record, reflecting large declines in drug overdose deaths and lower death rates from heart disease and cancer; officials also flagged rising measles and whooping cough rates, changes to vaccine recommendations and concerns about healthcare affordability.

Federal officials say U.S. life expectancy reached 79 years in 2024, the highest level recorded. The CDC linked the rise to significant drops in drug overdose deaths and lower death rates from heart disease and cancer. Declines occurred across men and women and across racial and ethnic groups. At the same time, officials have noted increases in measles and whooping cough and reported changes to vaccine recommendations and research funding, alongside widespread concerns about healthcare affordability. Key points: - The CDC announced that average U.S. life expectancy reached 79 years in 2024, marking a recovery from the pandemic years. - Officials attributed much of the gain to a reported 26 percent decline in drug overdose deaths and to falling death rates from heart disease and cancer across demographic groups. - The report also noted rising cases of measles and whooping cough, recent severe flu activity, and reported reductions in some vaccine guidance and research funding, while many Americans express worry about affording healthcare. Summary: The rise in life expectancy represents a notable shift from the pandemic period and reflects declines in major causes of death. Officials emphasize ongoing public health challenges and financial access concerns that could influence future trends. Undetermined at this time.