Life expectancy in California remains below pre-pandemic levels, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. In 2024, the average life expectancy was 80.54 years, nearly a year less than in 2019, when it was 81.4 years. This shortfall reflects only a partial recovery from the nearly three-year drop experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The study, conducted by researchers from UCLA, Northwestern, Princeton, and Virginia Commonwealth University, highlights that drug overdoses and cardiovascular disease have now replaced COVID-19 as the main factors affecting life expectancy. In 2024, drug overdoses accounted for 19.8% of the life expectancy gap, while cardiovascular disease contributed 16.3%, compared to COVID-19’s 12.8% share.
The Los Angeles Times reports that recovery has been uneven across different demographic groups. Black and Hispanic Californians have seen slower rebounds, with life expectancy still 1.48 and 1.44 years below 2019 levels, respectively. In contrast, white and Asian populations experienced smaller declines of 0.63 and 1.06 years.
Income-based disparities also persist. Californians in the lowest-income areas faced a 0.99-year gap in 2024 compared to 2019, while those in the highest-income areas had a 0.85-year gap. The overall life expectancy difference between these groups remains over five years, similar to pre-pandemic levels.
Researchers used data from the California Comprehensive Death Files and the American Community Survey to calculate these figures. The New York Times notes that the study’s findings provide early insight into post-pandemic mortality trends, with national data expected later this year.
Drugs.com highlights the role of drug overdoses, particularly from fentanyl, in the life expectancy deficit. Although overdose deaths have slightly declined, they continue to disproportionately affect Black and low-income communities.
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