Streamlly Original
A New Record: 79 Years
Reported by Toni Mitchell, Jesse Jines, Michael McDevitt, Michael Jorge
- Published: Feb 3, 2026, 9:38 PM EST
- Updated: Jan 29, 2026, 4:07 PM EST
- Duration: 30 sec
- Views: 359
February 3, 2026 — Americans are living longer, according to a recent report, which states that life expectancy in the U.S. rose to 79 years in 2024 — the highest mark in U.S. history.
Preliminary 2025 data suggest continued improvement.
With the dissipation of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as shrinking death rates from heart disease, cancer and drug overdoses, the trend of longer living suggests the upward trend will continue.
U.S. life expectancy is an estimate of the average years a baby born in a given year might expect to live in relation to the death rates at the time.
For years, U.S. life expectancy had risen a little year over year, reaching a peak in 2014 of nearly 79 years.
It plunged thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, which killed more than 1.2 million Americans, shrinking the life expectancy in 2021 to just under 76 ½ years. It’s been on the rebound since.
Researchers say the positive steps in reversing the drug overdose epidemic have also been key in seeing the length of Americans’ lives go up.
Experts added that the bad news is that the U.S. still comes in below dozens of other countries with higher life expectancies.
Credits
- Toni MitchellSenior Reporter/staff/toni-mitchell
- Jesse JinesVideo Editor/staff/jesse-jines
- Curtiss PhilipsenActor /VO Artist/staff/curtiss-philipsen
- Michael McDevittVideo Editor/staff/michael-mcdevitt
- Michael JorgeSenior Video Editor/staff/michael-jorge
Transcript
She just
made me
the
happiest
guy alive
She said
yes
Five
years ago,
this didn't
feel
possible
Covid
changed
everything
lives,
futures
The US life
expectancy
has reached
an all time
high
79 years
more time
with her
That's
the gift
























