Australia, known for its dangerous wildlife, has surprisingly led the English-speaking world in life expectancy for the past three decades. A recent study conducted by social scientists, with Penn State researcher Jessica Ho at the helm, compared life expectancy in six high-income Anglophone countries, including the United States, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.
Published in the journal BMJ Open, the study revealed that Australians have the longest life expectancy, with both men and women living several years longer than their American counterparts. The Irish showed the most significant gains in life expectancy, with men gaining around 8 years and women over 6.5 years. On the flip side, Americans had the shortest life expectancy, with women living an average of almost 81.5 years and men nearly 76.5 years in 2019.
Geographical inequalities in life expectancy were also examined within each country. The United States exhibited some of the largest disparities, with states like California and Hawaii boasting higher life expectancies compared to states in the Southeast, where life expectancy was significantly lower.
The study highlighted that preventable causes of death, such as drug overdose, car accidents, and homicide, were major contributors to the lower life expectancy in the United States. Lifestyle factors like sedentary behavior, obesity, unhealthy diet, stress, and smoking also played a role in higher mortality rates.
Australia emerged as a model for improving life expectancy, showcasing lower levels of gun deaths, homicides, drug and alcohol use, and better performance in chronic disease management. The country’s implementation of policies like gun law reforms contributed to its impressive life expectancy rankings.
Ho suggested that the U.S. could learn from Australia by investing in public transit infrastructure, reducing traffic fatalities, and implementing programs to address drug dependence and cardiovascular disease. By focusing on public health efforts, healthcare access, and community interventions, Americans could potentially achieve higher life expectancy and reduce geographical disparities.
The study emphasized the importance of looking to peer countries like Australia for inspiration on how to improve life expectancy and overall health outcomes. By implementing similar policies and interventions, the U.S. could work towards a healthier population and a more equitable distribution of life expectancy across different regions.
In conclusion, the study shed light on the factors influencing life expectancy in high-income Anglophone countries and provided valuable insights for improving health outcomes in the United States. By drawing lessons from countries like Australia, Americans can strive for better health and longevity for all.
