“CDC: U.S. life expectancy rises slightly, mortality rates fall compared to ’07,” by Alicia Lasek, McKnight’s LTC News

“Long-Term Care Planning Is Still a Great Way to Connect With Clients: Kristi Rodriguez,” by Allison Bell, ThinkAdvisor
“United States life expectancy has increased slightly and mortality rates are down compared to 2007 numbers, while nursing homes are the third-most-used long-term care service, according to new data released this week by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Life expectancy rose to 78.6 years in 2017 – up 0.5 years from 2007, reported the agency’s National Center for Health Statistics. In addition, the age-adjusted all-cause death rate was 6% lower for both men and women in 2017 compared to 2007. Meanwhile, the report found that nursing home services were the third most-used long-term care services among adults aged 65 and older in 2015–2016. At 1.2 million residents, this number was 4% higher than in 2011–2012. Home health was the first most-used long-term care service, with 3.7 million users, and hospice was the second most-used with 1.3 million patients.”

 

LTC Comment (from Stephen A. Moses, President, Center for Long-Term Care Reform):

Just yesterday we referred you to an analysis of the same data which said: “Report Finds Americans’ Health Is Flagging” and “Life expectancy has declined.” Today’s article states “CDC: U.S. life expectancy rises slightly, mortality rates fall compared to ’07.” Which is correct? Both. Yesterday’s piece focused on the past three years and found declining life expectancy. Today’s looks at the past 12 years, since 2007, and finds slightly rising life expectancy. So no contradiction, but the more negative trend is the most recent.