	Introduction

This report considers population longevity in the United States, as measured by life expectancy. Life expectancy is also routinely calculated for other ages. This report documents the improvements in life expectancy that have occurred, analyzing both the underlying factors that contributed to mortality reductions as well as the continuing longevity differentials by sex and race. In addition, it considers whether life expectancy will continue to increase in future years. While this report focuses on describing the demographic context of longevity change in the United States, these trends have implications for a wide range of social and economic issues that are likely to be considered by Congress. Trends in the Level of Longevity Over the Past Century

As seen in Table 1 and Appendix B Table B -1 , life expectancy at birth increased dramatically over the past century in the United Statesâfrom 49.2 years (the average for 1900-1902) to 77.5 years in 2003, the most recent year for which official data have been released by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)/National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). A significant reduction in the life expectancy gap between American white and black men was also observed over the 20 th century. The values for black females and white males are quite similar to each otherâ76.1 years and 75.3 years, with black females having the slight advantage. Life expectancy at birth in 2003 for black males measured 69.0 years, falling short of the comparable figure for white males by 6.3 years. Detailed Life Expectancy Tables
As a result of falling age-specific mortality, life expectancy rose dramatically in the United States over the past century. Final data for 2003 (the most recent available) show that life expectancy at birth for the total population has reached an all-time American high level, 77.5 years, up from 49.2 years at the turn of the 20 th century. Record-high life expectancies were found for white females (80.5 years) and black females (76.1 years), as well as for white males (75.3 years) and black males (69.0 years). Life expectancy gaps between males and females and between whites and blacks persisted.
In combination with decreasing fertility, the life expectancy gains have led to a rapid aging of the American population, as reflected by an increasing proportion of persons aged 65 and older. This report documents the improvements in longevity that have occurred, analyzing both the underlying factors that contributed to mortality reductions and the continuing longevity differentials by sex and race. In addition, it considers whether life expectancy will continue to increase in future years. Detailed statistics on life expectancy are provided. A brief comparison with other countries is also provided.
While this report focuses on a description of the demographic context of life expectancy change in the United States, these trends have implications for a wide range of social and economic programs and issues that are likely to be considered by Congress.
This report will be updated upon release of final data for 2004 by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).