• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2026 ABC News
Although life expectancy in the U.S. increased by almost 10 years between 1959 and 2016, to 78.9 years from 69.9 years, that progress began to slow down in the 1980s and plateaued in 2011.
0:28
  • ABC News
  • November 27, 2019

Opioid overdoses, alcohol abuse and suicide driving lower life expectancy in US

Although life expectancy in the U.S. increased by almost 10 years between 1959 and 2016, to 78.9 years from 69.9 years, that progress began to slow down in the 1980s and plateaued in 2011.

Up Next in news

Bus driver caught on camera drinking

Bus driver caught on camera drinking

November 27, 2019
VIDEO: Fashion mogul’s son arrested in father’s fatal fall

Fashion mogul’s son arrested in father’s fatal fall

May 20, 2026
VIDEO: Trump meets Xi Jinping in high-stakes Beijing summit

Trump meets Xi Jinping in high-stakes Beijing summit

May 14, 2026

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2026 ABC News