New mortality data from the federal government suggests that life expectancy probably hit another record high in 2025, as death rates have continued to fall since the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Death Rates Decrease

There were about 689 deaths for every 100,000 people in the US in 2025, according to a new report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — the lowest rate recorded in more than a century of tracking.

The age-adjusted rate has fallen 22% since 2021, landing about 4% lower than it was just before the pandemic in 2019. Heart disease led with nearly 695,000 deaths, followed by cancer with nearly 623,000 deaths.

Causes of Death

Unintentional injuries, which includes drug overdoses, were the third leading cause of death. Overdose deaths are still high — about 70,000 people died from an overdose in 2025, preliminary CDC data shows — but experts say that sharp declines probably played a large role in bringing the age-adjusted death rate down in the US.

Death rates vary dramatically between men and women too, the new CDC report shows. There was an age-adjusted rate of 811 deaths per 100,000 men, compared with a rate of 583 deaths per 100,000 women, in 2025.

Longevity Factors

Research shows that some of the best ways to help yourself live a long, healthy life involve more basic habits that help prevent some of the leading causes of death. Staying active helps encourage social connections that also keep you biologically young.

A 2023 study found that sleeping seven to nine hours a night was linked to improved longevity outcomes by 18%. Eating a plant-based diet increased people’s chances of living longer by 21%. Having tools for managing stress on a daily basis is linked to 22% improvement and positive social interactions another 5%.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.