Mar 2, 2022 - News
How Iowa compares in average life expectancy
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Iowans' average life expectancy at birth is 79 years, according to state-by-state data released last month by the CDC National Center for Health Statistics.
Why it matters: It's one indicator of overall health in our state.
- And Iowa is doing OK, ranking 20th in the nation for life expectancy.
Details: Women in Iowa are projected to outlive their male counterparts by about five years, making it to 81.6 years on average compared to men's 76.5.
Yes, but: The data is from before the pandemic began. The overall U.S. life expectancy at birth decreased from 78.8 years in 2019 to 77 years in 2020.
- Plus: Iowa recently lost ground on 95 of the more than 250 measures used to track progress meeting health goals in a separate five-year statewide initiative.