New research reveals significant differences in longevity across racial and ethnic groups in the United States. The study, published in The Journal of Internal Medicine, shows that Hispanic and Asian populations have the highest probabilities of reaching age 100, despite facing socioeconomic challenges. This phenomenon, often referred to as the “Hispanic Paradox,” indicates that Hispanic individuals experience lower mortality rates compared to other groups, even with economic disadvantages.
The study also highlights the Black-White mortality crossover, where non-Hispanic Black individuals exhibit lower mortality rates than non-Hispanic Whites after age 85. This crossover suggests that Black individuals who survive to older ages may have certain protective factors that contribute to their longevity. However, non-Hispanic Whites have the lowest probability of reaching age 100, underscoring disparities in health trajectories and access to care.
Researchers analyzed life expectancy data from 2006 to 2019, examining survival probabilities at various ages. They found that the highest survival rates to age 100 were among Hispanic and Asian populations, with these trends remaining consistent over time. The study calls for further investigation into the genetic, environmental, and social factors that influence longevity, as well as policy interventions to address systemic inequalities and improve health equity among older adults.
These findings emphasize the need for targeted efforts to understand and mitigate the factors contributing to health disparities in minority communities, ensuring that all populations have the opportunity to achieve exceptional longevity.
See: “Who Lives to 100? New Research Reveals Differences Across Racial, Ethnic Groups” (December 4, 2024)
