American Indian and Alaska Native People Have the Lowest Life Expectancy
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other research, American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people consistently experience the shortest life expectancy of any racial or ethnic group in the U.S. For example, provisional 2021 data showed that the life expectancy for AI/AN people was 65.2 years, significantly lower than the overall U.S. average of 76.1 years. More detailed analyses indicate that this gap is even larger than official statistics often show due to racial misclassification on death certificates, where AI/AN individuals are often misidentified as another race. A recent study found that when accounting for this misclassification, the life expectancy for self-identified AI/AN individuals was as low as 72.7 years from 2008 to 2019, much lower than the general U.S. average.
Driving Factors Behind the Disparity
Multiple systemic and historical factors contribute to the disproportionately low life expectancy among AI/AN populations. These issues are deeply entrenched and extend far beyond individual health choices.
Historical Trauma and Systemic Racism
For generations, AI/AN people have faced the severe and long-lasting consequences of historical trauma, including forced removal from ancestral lands, the destruction of cultures, and discriminatory government policies. The resulting systemic racism has created barriers to quality healthcare, education, and economic opportunities that perpetuate poor health outcomes. The chronic stress from racism and marginalization can have a direct physiological impact, increasing the risk for certain diseases.
Chronic Underfunding of Healthcare
The Indian Health Service (IHS), the federal program responsible for providing healthcare to AI/AN people, is chronically underfunded and unable to meet the needs of the population. This leads to limited access to care, understaffed facilities, and long travel distances for many living in rural or isolated reservation communities. The lack of resources means that preventative and specialized care is often delayed or inaccessible, causing treatable conditions to become life-threatening.
Socioeconomic Challenges
Higher rates of poverty and lower levels of educational attainment within AI/AN communities limit access to nutritious food, safe housing, and stable employment. These socioeconomic factors are directly linked to higher rates of chronic illnesses and substance abuse disorders. For instance, a study in The Lancet highlighted that low-income AI/AN communities in the West had the lowest life expectancy and were among the lowest in income and college graduation rates.
Disproportionate Rates of Chronic Disease and Injury
AI/AN populations experience higher rates of death from many leading causes compared to other Americans, including:
- Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis: Reflecting high rates of alcohol-related deaths.
- Diabetes mellitus: Higher incidence and mortality rates are common.
- Unintentional injuries: Higher rates of drug overdose deaths and traffic accidents contribute significantly.
- Suicide and homicide: Rates are notably higher, especially among young adults.
- Infant mortality: AI/AN infants face disproportionately high mortality rates.
A Comparative Look at Health Disparities
| Health Indicator | American Indian/Alaska Native | Non-Hispanic White | Non-Hispanic Black |
|---|---|---|---|
| Life Expectancy (2021) | 65.2 years | 76.4 years | 70.8 years |
| Leading Causes of Death | Heart disease, cancer, unintentional injury, liver disease, diabetes | Heart disease, cancer, unintentional injury, stroke | Heart disease, cancer, homicide, stroke |
| Infant Mortality Rate (2021-2023 avg.) | 8.6 deaths per 1,000 live births | 4.5 deaths per 1,000 live births | 10.8 deaths per 1,000 live births |
| Access to Healthcare | High uninsured rates, especially in the Southwest due to underfunded IHS | Varies by location, generally better access | Significant disparities in access and quality |
Conclusion
The question of which group has the shortest life expectancy in the United States highlights deep-seated health inequities, with American Indian and Alaska Native people experiencing the most severe impacts. Their lower life expectancy is not an isolated statistic but the result of historical trauma, chronic underfunding of the Indian Health Service, and socioeconomic disadvantages that have led to higher rates of chronic disease, injuries, and infant mortality. Addressing this health crisis requires a comprehensive and systemic approach that goes beyond basic healthcare access to tackle the root causes of racial disparity, including systemic racism and economic inequality. Investments in equitable healthcare, economic opportunities, and educational resources are essential to close the life expectancy gap and promote a healthier society for all.
One authoritative outbound link: Indian Health Service (IHS) Fact Sheets
