The average life expectancy for Americans born in 2024 reached 79 years, the highest on record, reflecting recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and declines in drug overdose deaths.

This marks an increase of over six months from 2023 and surpasses the previous peak in 2019.

While improvements in mortality have benefited many, significant disparities persist across states, racial groups, and income levels, and the U.S. still lags behind other wealthy nations.

COVID-19 is no longer a top cause of death, but drug overdoses and other health challenges continue to take a heavy toll, NPR has reported.

Experts caution that policy choices, health care access, and social inequalities could affect future gains in life expectancy despite the current rebound.