How American Life Expectancy Compares To Its Peers

American life expectancy is significantly lagging behind other wealthy nations, a trend worsening over time. This disparity is highlighted by a Peterson-KFF analysis comparing the US to eleven other countries. Multiple factors contribute to this, including chronic diseases and healthcare disparities. The US spends considerably more on healthcare per capita but fails to achieve comparable life expectancy. In 2023, US per capita healthcare spending was $13,432, exceeding the peer group average by a significant margin. This suggests systemic issues in the US healthcare system, impacting access and efficiency. The rising prevalence of chronic diseases, such as kidney disease, significantly impacts US life expectancy. The US death rate from kidney disease is notably higher than that of comparable nations. This data reveals a concerning trend, indicating that increased healthcare spending does not translate to improved health outcomes in the US. Addressing systemic issues and chronic diseases is crucial for improving American life expectancy.