Life expectancy in the U.S. rises for first time in four years

Life expectancy in the U.S. has risen for the first time since 2014, according to new 2018 mortality data from the CDC. Here’s more: 

• The figures: In 2018, the average age at death was 78.7, up slightly from 2017, and which scientists attribute to decreases in cancer mortality. U.S. life expectancy had been on a downward trend since 2014, when it was an average of 78.9 years.
• Causes of death: Heart disease was the top cause of death, followed by cancer. There was a small increase in the number of deaths by suicide and from flu and pneumonia compared to 2017. 
• Maternal mortality: A separate CDC report found the average rate was 17.4 deaths per 100,000 live births. The rate among Black women was more than twice the average, but the rate for white and Hispanic women was lower than average.