U.S. Life Expectancy Stagnates for Over a Decade Amid Rising Mortality Rates

The United States experienced approximately 525,000 excess deaths in 2023 compared to predictions based on mortality patterns before 2010. These additional fatalities stem from various health issues, with cardiovascular diseases and cancer remaining leading causes. Contributing factors also include medical errors, drug overdose deaths, gun-related violence, and infant mortality, all highlighting ongoing public health challenges. Notably, the nation's life expectancy has remained relatively unchanged over the past 15 years. According to the CDC, life expectancy at birth increased modestly from 77.5 years in 2022 to 78.4 years in 2023, indicating some recovery but emphasizing the need for continued health improvements.