New Yorkers Live Longer than the Average American: Report

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Information released by the New York City Department for Health and Human Services says New Yorkers live longer than the average American.

After a year of budget cuts, toll hikes, and protests, New Yorkers finally got some good news: people who live in the city have longer lifespans, beating out the national average by over two years. The report, released last week, puts the average national life expectancy at 78.2 years compared to New York's 80.6. The number has been rising over the past several years. Mayor Bloomberg sought to use the data to attract more residents, saying that "If you want to live longer and healthier than the average American, then come to New York City."

One of the major factors in increasing the life expectancies of New Yorkers was the expansion of HIV testing and broader access to HIV treatment. "People with HIV infection are increasingly being identified through expanded HIV testing, and advances in the treatment of HIV infection are being made available to everyone with HIV sooner" said Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas A. Farley. Efforts to curb smoking, from the distribution of free nicotine patches to bans in bars and restaurants have also had an impact.

With New Yorkers living healthier, and with infant mortality rates down, it looks like this city has a bright future. The report undoubtedly comes as good news to Mayor Bloomberg, who has made encouraging a healthier New York a cornerstone of his time in office. We're pretty pleased too.

Sources: NYC Gov, Time

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