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At 77 years, we're 42nd

LIFE EXPECTANCY | Americans live longer than ever but trail others

August 13, 2007
WASHINGTON -- Americans are living longer than ever, but not as long as people in 41 other countries.

For decades, the United States has been slipping in international rankings of life expectancy, as other countries improve health care, nutrition and lifestyles.

Countries that surpass the United States include Japan and most of Europe, as well as Jordan, Guam and the Cayman Islands.

''Something's wrong here when one of the richest countries in the world ... is not able to keep up with other countries,'' said Dr. Christopher Murray of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington.

A baby born here in 2004 will live an average of 77.9 years. That ranks 42nd, down from 11th two decades ago, the Census Bureau and the National Center for Health Statistics find.

Researchers said several factors have contributed to the decline. A major one is that 45 million Americans lack health insurance, they say. Other factors include obesity, racial disparities and a relatively high infant mortality rate. AP

Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.