Westerners, in general, live longer than other
Americans, according to a recent study by the Harvard University
Initiative for Global Health. Northern Plains residents live
longest, but 29 of the 50 counties with the highest life expectancy
are in the West — 16 in Colorado. Native Americans, however,
aren’t as fortunate: Nationally, they have a life expectancy
equal to or higher than whites, but in the West, they “have a major
mortality disadvantage,” as well as the lowest per capita income
and the lowest rate of health insurance coverage. They also suffer
a high number of alcohol-related deaths, including traffic
accidents, cirrhosis and diabetes.
Source: Murray CJL, Kulkarni SC, Michaud C,
Tomijima N, Bulzacchelli MT, et al. (2006) Eight Americas:
Investigating Mortality Disparities across Races, Counties, and
Race-Counties in the United States. PLoS Med 3(9): e260
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline The longevity of place and race.
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