Discover the 5 States With the Shortest Life Expectancy

Life expectancy in the United States heavily depends on the region, and subsequently, what the region can offer its citizens. Broadly speaking, life expectancy indicates a nation’s well-being and overall health. It reflects a nation’s healthcare system, various lifestyle choices, and more specifically, how a region’s socioeconomic status affects the population. Although the United States is, by and large, a developed country, the overarching social and economic disparities gravely impact life expectancy in certain states and regions. For example, most of the states on this list are in or near the Southern United States. Let’s discuss the top 5 states with the shortest life expectancy. We’ll also dive into the various factors that contribute to a shortened lifespan.

5. Arkansas

Arkansas is not far behind though. With an average life expectancy of 73.8 years, Arkansas also has several factors that contribute to this shortened life span. These factors include limited access to health care and unhealthy lifestyles, which high rates of tobacco use can exacerbate.

4. Alabama

Alabama’s life expectancy is slightly better than West Virginia’s, but still lower in comparison to other states. Alabama’s is approximately 73.2. This is a result of high rates of obesity as well as limited access to healthcare and a lack of education.

3. Louisiana

Louisiana’s life expectancy falls in the middle of this list. The state’s average is approximately 73.1 years. Louisiana residents face a high poverty rate and a prevalence of chronic diseases. Likewise, limited access to healthcare also poses threats to the people of Louisiana.

2. West Virginia

West Virginia is another state that faces short life expectancy. The average is 72.8. In West Virginia, many people face economic hardship and limited access to education. Over the past several decades, the opioid crisis has played a significant role in the state’s lower expectations of life.

1. Mississippi

The state of Mississippi is consistently ranked at the bottom of the list for the shortest life expectancy in the United States. The life expectancy in Mississippi is approximately 71.9 years. Several factors contribute to this low number. Some of these factors are high rates of poverty, limited access to quality healthcare, and a prevalence of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

The Contributing Factors of Short-Life Expectancy Rates

As evidenced on this list, there are a number of factors that contribute to a shorter lifespan in these states. Most prominently, factors such as poverty, education, and lifestyle tend to be the overarching reasons as to why residents of a particular state might not live as long.

Socioeconomic Status

In particular, states that have lower life expectancy tend to have higher poverty rates. This tends to ensure that people who experience poverty can’t escape poverty. Limited economic opportunities prevent people from pursuing educational opportunities, which limits job prospects, and in turn, financial improvement.

Healthcare Access

An extension of socioeconomic status is healthcare access. If individuals do not have access to healthcare, health conditions might go undiagnosed or untreated. This reason can contribute to a lower life expectancy, but even more, it can prevent chronic disease from being appropriately treated. Many individuals in these states experience prevalent chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and potentially certain types of cancer. With limited or no healthcare access, many people will not seek treatment, leading to a shortened lifespan.

Lifestyle

Another major factor is lifestyle choices. Tobacco usage and substance abuse are common across the five states on this list. Additionally, obesity is also a major concern, which impacts both health and longevity.

Improving Life Expectancy

Of course, each of these factors functions together. Without access to education or resources, many individuals will be unable to pursue economic opportunities, obtain adequate healthcare, or make lifestyle choices that are healthier and potentially less detrimental to life expectancy.

The National Institutes of Health claims that exercise is one of the best things people can do to lengthen their life expectancy. This is a personal lifestyle choice. On a broader scale, social and economic systems would need to change to better offer accessible resources for communities with limited resources. Ensuring that people can live long, happy lives is a combination of both systemic and personal factors.

Summary of the 5 States with Shortest Life Expectancy