U.S. life expectancy hits all-time high
Summary
Scientific American reports that U.S. life expectancy at birth rose to 79 in 2024, the highest on record, but remains below most developed nations. The piece notes declines in age-adjusted death rates for the top causes of death, acknowledges ongoing mortality from COVID-19 and overdoses, and includes expert commentary warning that progress may be stagnating due to cardiometabolic risks and gaps in healthcare coverage.