During the pandemic, death rates soared, artificially skewing life expectancy. Since then, the death rates have fallen. Death rates hit a record low in 2025. There were about 689 deaths per 100,000 people in the U.S. in 2025, according to the CDC. That’s the lowest since they started recording death rates over a century ago.
A record low death rate suggests record high life expectancy, according to demographic experts. Knowing the causes of the deaths helps figure out life expectancy more than just the death rate alone, as people die from certain causes at different ages. Injuries, accidents and overdoses often happen to younger people, while illnesses impact older people more. “Unintentional injuries,” a term that includes overdoses, was the third leading cause of death last year. But there was a sharp decline in the number of deaths.
“Life expectancy is going to be affected a lot by what’s happening at younger age groups more than at older age groups,” said Mark Mather, an associate vice president at the Population Reference Bureau. “As we see a dramatic decline in drug overdose among younger adults, that will have a more measurable impact on life expectancy at older ages and the overall life expectancy of the population.”
While the longevity movement is looking at supplements, medical treatments and even AI to extend healthy life, there are natural ways to do so. Basic health habits can add years to life and help prevent leading causes of death. Walking aids mobility, and mobility is an indicator of life expectancy and healthy aging. It helps a person stay social and biologically younger. Managing stress is linked to a 22 percent improvement in lifespan. Eating a vegan diet is linked to a 21 percent improvement. Sleeping seven to nine hours a night was linked to an 18 percent improvement in longevity.
The new data found that deaths from flu and pneumonia have gone up. Previously they were the 11th leading cause of death. They are now the 8th. There are vaccines for the flu and pneumonia. They aren’t new vaccines. These are well-established shots that save lives. We understand that there is a lot of vaccine hesitancy since COVID-19. But these vaccines predated the pandemic and have long histories of protecting lives.
The biggest challenge to making Americans live longer isn’t making older people live longer, it’s getting younger people into old age. The smallest decline in death was in people between the ages of 45 and 54. While deaths from overdoses are declining, the age group still faces risks from guns, suicide, alcohol, blood sugar concerns and heart disease. By tackling these health risks, the lifespan can be extended.
