Citation
Rogers, Richard G. & Hummer, Robert A. (2002). Longevity: Social Aspects.. Ekerdt, David J. (Ed.) (pp. 820-826). New York: Macmillan Reference USA.Abstract
The population of the United States enjoys one of the highest life expectancies in the world, and throughout the twentieth century the life expectancy of Americans increased remarkably. When the twentieth century began, U.S. newborns could expect to live an average of 47 years (see Figure 1). By 1960, that number had risen to 70 years, and it had increased to 76.7 years by the year 1998 (Anderson; Murphy).Earlier in the twentieth century, life expectancies were volatile. For example, between 1917 and 1918, life expectancy plummeted 24 percent, from 48.4 to 36.6 years, due to the influenza epidemic. Since the introduction of infectious disease–fighting antibiotics in the 1930s, life expectancies have become more stable as they increased. Improvements in health care, social programs, and living conditions have further contributed to increasing life expectancies.
URL
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CCX3402200241&v=2.1&u=cant48040&it=r&p=GVRL&sw=w&asid=6d0006be9f5fd36ea7cb9fb57a4c7587Reference Type
Book SectionYear Published
2002Author(s)
Rogers, Richard G.Hummer, Robert A.