US life expectancy drops at its lowest in 100 years – can tech help?

A new report found that the average life expectancy of Americans fell at its lowest in nearly 100 years. How can technology help?

In 2021, the average American could expect to live until the age of 76 which represents a loss of almost three years since 2019, when Americans could expect to live 79 years on average.

Native Americans and Alaska Natives were found to be the minorities with the lowest life expectancy in the US. Longstanding health problems – rooted in poverty, discrimination and poor access to healthcare – left these minorities particularly vulnerable to Covid-19.

Dr Ann Bullock, director of diabetes treatment at the federal Indian Health Service agency, said: “There is no doubt Covid was a contributor to the increase in mortality during the last couple of years, but it didn’t start these problems – it made everything that much worse.”

How can technology help?

According to a 2017 report from the CDC, the top three causes of death in the US were heart disease, cancer and accidental death.

Technology can now help individuals prevent pathologies like heart diseases and strokes. Diagnostic technology has come a long way for being affordable and it can now provide users with tools for a longer life.

Genomic sequencing

Illustration from research for genomic medicine or gene therapy.

Genomic sequencing is a laboratory method that is used to determine the entire genetic makeup of a specific organism or cell type and it can be used to find changes in areas of the genome.

These changes can help scientists understand how diseases like cancer form. The results of genomic sequencing can also be used to diagnose and treat disease.

Genomic sequencing can also be used to design customised diets, exercise regimes and general wellness plans.

Wearable trackers

Wearable trackers can optimise daily health outcomes and they can help keep health data under control. These devices can also be used as health trackers that can help prevent conditions such as heart attacks or heart failures.

These devices come in different shapes and sizes but the most popular are sleep trackers, heart rate monitors and fitness trackers.