In 1900, life expectancy at birth was about 49 years. By 1960, life expectancy had increased to 70 years, and in 1997, life expectancy at birth was 79 years for women and 74 years for men. Life expectancies at ages 65 and 85 have also increased. Under current mortality conditions, people who survive to age 65 can expect to live an average of nearly 18 more years, more than five years longer than persons age 65 in 1900. The life expectancy of persons who survive to age 85 today is about 7 years for women and 6 years for men.
Educational attainment is associated with higher life expectancy.
The life expectancy of high school graduates at age 65 is approximately one year longer than the life expectancy at that age for persons who did not graduate from high school. Life expectancy varies by race, but the difference decreases with age. In 1997, life expectancy at birth was 6 years higher for white persons than for black persons. At age 65, white persons can expect to live an average of 2 years longer than black persons. Among those who survive to age 85, however, the life expectancy among black persons is slightly higher than among white persons.