Life expectancy up in '06, disparity down

Government data released June 11 showed that life expectancy in the United stated hit an all-time high of 78.1 years in 2006 and that gender and ethnic disparities appear to be narrowing. (Source: "U.S. life expectancy rose in '06," Columbus Dispatch, Thursday,  June 12, 2008)

The overall U.S. life expectancy of 78.1 years was up 0.3 years from 2005. Life expectancy for women was 80.7 years, and for men, 75.4 years. The disparity between the sexes -- 5.3 years -- has been declining since it peaked at about eight years in 1979.