Men are Living Longer

Research indicates that there is a decline in death rates from major causes, including heart disease and cancer. This means that the life expectancy of Americans has risen to an all time high of 77.6 years. Although women still outlive men by 5.3 years the gap has narrowed by one tenth in the past 3 years.

There is also an increase in active life expectancy as more and more senior adults are exercising regularly and eating more healthfully. Fitness clubs are noticing an increased number of memberships being sold to people over fifty.

The death rate in the United States shows a decrease in the following two areas:

Heart Disease

• 240.8 per 100,000 in 2002
• 232.1 per 100,000 in 2003

Cancer

• 193.5 per 100,000 in 2002
• 189.5 per 100,000 in 2003

Even though the life expectancy increase is good, Americans are still behind

many countries including Japan, which has the longest life expectancy at 81.9 years.