US Has Average Life Span Of 79 Years; Most Developed Countries Are At 80 And Above

Citizens of the United States averaged one more year of life than other developed countries in 1970; data compiled from 2011 showed that the U.S. is now over a year behind the average life span in developed countries (78.7 to 80.1), according to a report by the Organisation of Economic and Co-operation and Development (OECD).

"Life expectancy [in the U.S.] is now more than a year below the OECD average of 80.1," the OECD said in a press statement, "compared to one year above the average in 1970."

One reason for the U.S.'s below average performance was a disjointed health care system, Bloomberg BusinessWeek reported. As these statistics were generated from 2011, the numbers could be further impacted by the outcomes of Obama Care.

Another reason was diet and exercise. Americans consumed more calories than most other developed countries and had higher rates of obesity, according to the OECD.

Crime, to a certain extent, was more prevalent in the United States than economically similar countries and has affected how long the average citizen lives. U.S. residents used more prescription and illegal drugs, died more often from car accidents, and murdered more citizens.

The economy, in particular income inequality, was also a factor contributing to the U.S.'s less than average life span gains, the OECD reported.

The worldwide economy affected average life span gains, but in mixed ways, the OECD noted. Suicide rates increased as economies fell, but have since stabilized. Infant mortality rates in Greece, a country plagued by vast economic trouble, have steadily increased. Countries like Greece also have people foregoing certain health procedures because of lack of money.

At the same time, traffic mortality rates have declined in most countries as reduced commerce has made car travel more expensive and less necessary, according to the OECD. Alcohol and other substance use have also declined, simply because people have less money to spend.

The OECD has noted how the economy has affected the health care system and urges governments "to continue to seek clever ways by which health systems can continue to improve the well-being of patients within the new fiscal environment.

The full chart below: