CDC: U.S. life expectancy gap between blacks, whites is closing

New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that although black Americans still face a disparity in death rates compared to whites, the gap is closing (Source: “Black Americans Are Living Longer, C.D.C. Reports,” New York Times, May 2, 2017).

According to the CDC data, black Americans who live to 65 may now expect to live longer than whites of the same age.

The narrowing gap in death rates first emerged at the start of this century, and it shows no signs of abating. Both black and white Americans are living longer, but the death rate among blacks has been dropping faster than that among whites.

Fifteen years ago, black Americans had a life expectancy at birth of 71.8 years. For whites, the figure was 77.3 years. Blacks now have a life expectancy of 75.6 years, and whites can expect to live on average for 79 years.

But disparities remain, the researchers found. Blacks aged 35 to 64 are 50 percent more likely than whites to have high blood pressure. The homicide rate among blacks aged 18 to 34 is nine times as high as the rate among whites. Among blacks aged 35 to 49, the homicide rate is five times as high as it is among whites.