Life Expectancy for New Yorkers Rises To An All-Time High

According to a recently released report by the New York City Department of Health, the average life expectancy for New Yorkers born in 2007 rose to an all-time high of 79.4 years — five months longer than those born in 2006.

It was the largest one-time life expectancy jump in New York's history.

"Helping people live longer, better lives is the core responsibility of government, which is why nearly every initiative we take on is focused on that goal," Mayor Michael Bloomberg said. "The steady continued increase in life expectancy demonstrates the remarkable progress we have made and the need to continue to press forward with bold health policies."

In addition to increased life expectancy, the city made strides in decreasing mortality rates. The citywide death rate fell to 6.5 deaths per 1,000 people from 8.1 per 1,000 in 2006. The number of deaths due to HIV, drug-related deaths and cardiovascular diseases also dropped noticeably.

The progress made in these areas has largely been the result of New Yorkers leading healthier lifestyles and improvements made in the treatment of heart disease and cancer, the two leading causes of death in New York City, according to Scarsdale resident Dr. Glenn Fishman, Director of the Division of Cardiology at NYU Langone Medical Center. "There is less smoking in New York City going on because of the new legislation," Fishman said. "[There is] just a lot more public awareness of healthy lifestyle, of what to eat, to try to get some exercise, and, I would also say the care of people with cardio-vascular disease is getting better."

Dr. Michael Perskin, director of the faculty group practice for the department of medicine, agreed and said better treatment and earlier detection is essential for these trends to continue.
"The key is that we need better treatment for cancer and earlier detection," Perskin said. "Medicine is moving in both directions. That's the strategy."

Reprinted courtesy of http://nyunews.com/