U.S. Leads World in Years Spent in Poor Health Despite Longer Lifespans

A growing gap between lifespan and healthspan highlights chronic disease and systemic health challenges in the United States.

New research shows Americans experience an average of 12.4 years of poor health at the end of life, the largest gap globally between lifespan and healthspan.
The U.S. also reports the highest prevalence of chronic diseases, including mental health issues, substance abuse, and obesity, contributing significantly to the healthspan-lifespan gap.
While global life expectancy has increased, gains in healthy years of life have not kept pace, with the U.S. lagging behind other wealthy nations in health outcomes.
Drug overdoses and obesity are major drivers of declining health in the U.S., with drug-related mortality rates projected to remain the highest in the world by 2050.
Experts call for wellness-focused healthcare reforms to address systemic issues and reduce the growing burden of disease and disability in aging populations.