Significance of socio-economic factors for life expectancy levels

In the United States, there has been a significant increase in the inequality between population groups when it comes to their life expectancy over the last 20 years. The "Ten Americas" Study published in the scientific journal "The Lancet" shows that life expectancy can vary greatly depending on location, the local economic conditions or ethnic identity. These differences were large in the USA as early as the dawn of the 21st century, have continued to increase slightly over the last two decades and have risen again significantly post-COVID-19-pandemic. The study thus emphasises how strongly socio-economic conditions can influence life expectancy levels and highlights the importance of equal opportunities in access to social protection.

Lower life expectancy in spite of high healthcare expenditure

Despite the world's highest per capita healthcare expenditure – USD 11,000 in 2021 – life expectancy in the USA remains low by international standards. Data from the World Health Organisation (WHO) shows that Americans spend far more on healthcare services each year than the German population (USD 5,700). Nevertheless, the USA does not reach the level of other industrialised countries in terms of life expectancy. In 2021, the average life expectancy in the USA was 76.1 years, which is significantly lower than in many European countries such as Germany (80.7 years).

Socio-economic factors decisive according to study

To examine the differences in life expectancy, the study divides the population of the United States into ten categories based on ethnicity, geographic characteristics and socio-economic conditions. The categorisation shows that there is a close correlation between income and life expectancy, but also indicates that life expectancy is primarily determined by ethnic and social differences. Despite a higher average income, the life expectancy of the majority white population (77.2 years) was lower than that of the populations of Asian (80.4 years) and Latin American (79.4 years) descent. According to the study, this is due to differences in access to health services, education and preventative measures.

Forecast of future life expectancy

Another Study published in "The Lancet" also predicts that life expectancy in the USA will only rise marginally to 80 years in the future. This is due to social health risks such as obesity, tobacco, and drug consumption and other behavioural health issues. According to the authors, these risks are strongly characterised by the social environment and are mainly concentrated in socially weaker groups. In this context, the authors assume that the inequality of life expectancy in the United States will continue to increase until 2050.

Conclusions for the social security schemes

The studies presented show that significant risks to life expectancy can be counteracted. This realisation has important implications not only for the United States, but also for social security schemes in Europe.

Promoting equal opportunities, better access to healthcare services, as well as prevention, rehabilitation measures and information for a healthier lifestyle are not only important, but a key prerequisite for people to remain active in the labour market and in society for longer.