Who has a chance for longevity? New research results

The shortest life expectancy was recorded among African Americans, American Indians and Alaska Natives, while Asians lived the longest.

Asians live the longest and African Americans live the shortest

In 2000, life expectancy in the US ranged from 70.5 to 83.1 years, a difference of 12.6 years. Over the decade, this difference increased to 13.9 years, reaching 18.9 years in 2020 and 20.4 years in 2021. This trend indicates widening health inequalities in American society.

Over the past two decades, life expectancy in the U.S. has declined faster than in other high-income countries. In 2021, life expectancy in the US was 76.1 years, the lowest level since 1996. The main causes of this decline were deaths related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the so-called “diseases of despair” such as drug overdoses, alcoholism and suicide.

The Lancet study. Who lives the longest?

The lowest life expectancy in 2000 was among African Americans living in low-income southern counties and metropolitan areas, as well as among American Indians and Alaska Natives. In contrast, Asian Americans enjoyed the highest life expectancy.

Between 2000 and 2010, life expectancy improved for all groups except American Indians and Alaska Natives. In the white and Hispanic populations, these changes depended on location; for example, white Americans in low-income counties in the Appalachian Mountains and Lower Mississippi Valley had significantly lower life expectancies than their peers in other areas.

Blue zones. The secret of longevity

In the context of longevity, it is worth paying attention to the so-called “blue zones” Blue Zones) – regions in the world where people live the longest and enjoy the best health. The term was introduced by Dan Buettner in 2004 and covers five places:

• Okinawa Island in Japan,

• the island of Sardinia in Italy,

• Ikaria island in Greece,

• Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica,

• the city of Loma Linda, California.

The inhabitants of these regions eat a healthy diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes and whole grain products. They also eat fish and seafood, and their diet is low in processed foods and red meat. For example, the people of Okinawa practice the principle of “hara hachi bu”, which means eating until they are 80% full.

Physical activity is an integral part of their daily lives. This is not about intense training, but about regular exercise, such as walking, gardening or cycling. For example, Sardinians who live in mountainous areas and engage in animal husbandry cover long distances every day, which benefits their physical condition.

Social relationships are the key to longevity

Social relationships play a key role in the longevity of residents of blue zones. Strong family ties, community support and a sense of belonging have a positive impact on their mental and physical health. It is also worth emphasizing the importance of a sense of purpose in life, which motivates us to take care of ourselves and others.

Analyzing differences in life expectancy in the USA and the practices of residents of blue zones, it can be seen that lifestyle, diet, physical activity and social relationships have a significant impact on health and longevity. Introducing some of these practices into everyday life can help improve the quality of life and extend its duration.