Americans today live roughly twice as long as they did when the Declaration of Independence was signed. The average lifespan in the US has increased significantly over the centuries, from around 35 to 40 years old in 1776 to about 79 years old today, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Advances in Medicine and Public Health

The improvement in lifespan has been largely attributed to reduced deaths in infancy and from infectious diseases, as well as advances in sanitation, clean water, nutrition, vaccination, and medical care. Experts point to key milestones such as the development of vaccines and antibiotics, improvements in emergency medical services and trauma care, and public health campaigns promoting healthy habits.

According to Dr. Omer Awan, a physician and professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, “much of this vast discrepancy is related to the extremely high rates of infant, childhood, and maternal mortality” in the past. “Childbirth was dangerous, and without antibiotics and vaccines, many infectious diseases were deadly,” he noted.

Modern Longevity

Today, the focus is on preventing chronic diseases and promoting healthy lifestyles. As Nneoma Oparaji, a triple board-certified media physician, noted, “the next frontier will be less about living longer, but more about living healthier longer.” Experts emphasize the importance of a whole food, plant-based diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and avoiding toxins like alcohol and cigarettes.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.