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The USA has the world's largest gap between lifespan and healthy years

Women face a bigger healthspan gap than men due to specific health issues

17-Dec-2024

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A new Mayo Clinic study published in JAMA Network Open highlights the widening gap between lifespan and healthspan in the USA, where Americans live an average of 12.4 years with illness or disability, up from 10.9 years in 2000. Researchers Dr. Andre Terzic and Armin Garmany analyzed WHO data from 183 countries, spanning 2000–2019, to compare life expectancy and health-adjusted life expectancy for men and women.

Globally, life expectancy rose slightly, with women living to 80.7 years (up from 79.2) and men to 76.3 years (up from 74.1). However, healthspan gains lagged behind, creating a global average gap of 9.6 years, a 13% increase since 2000. The USA has the widest gap—29% above the global average—driven by chronic diseases like mental health issues, substance abuse, and musculoskeletal conditions.

Notably, disparities between men and women were evident, with women experiencing a larger 2.4-year healthspan gap due to neurological, musculoskeletal, and genitourinary disorders. The study also found significant geographic variation, with the largest lifespan gains observed in African countries such as Rwanda and Malawi, though healthspan improvements did not keep pace.

The findings suggest a global “paradox” where advancements in preventing acute diseases lead to longer lives but increased chronic illness burdens. Terzic emphasized the need for targeted policies to improve quality of life, while Garmany called for proactive, wellness-focused care systems to close the gap.

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JAMA Network Open

Medical journal dedicated to biomedical sciences

Mayo Clinic

Non-profit American academic medical center focused on health care, education, and research

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Life Expectancy
The USA has the world's largest gap between lifespan and healthy years