U.S. Life Expectancy Rises in 2022 Despite Drug Overdose Surge

Life expectancy in the United States increased slightly last year, but record-high drug overdoses and rising child mortality rates highlight ongoing health challenges.

In 2022, U.S. life expectancy increased to 77.5 years, marking a 1.1-year increase despite the pandemic's impact, but remains lower than pre-pandemic levels.
Drug overdose deaths reached a record high in 2022, with nearly 108,000 fatalities, fueled by synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
Deaths among children, particularly those ages 1 to 4 and 5 to 14, saw a significant increase, raising concerns about the health status of American children.
Heart disease and cancer continue to be the leading causes of death in the U.S., but death rates for these conditions slightly decreased.
The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the overdose epidemic, with telehealth services and support being highlighted as crucial for addressing the crisis.