U.S. decennial life tables for 1989-81, volume 1, number 3, Some trends and comparisons of U.S. Life table data: 1900-91

This report, the third in a set of reports containing life table data for the United States and each State for the period 1989\u201391 (1990), shows selected trends and comparisons for the United States from 1900 to 1990 and among the States from 1980 to 1990. Specifically shown are trends in U.S. life expectancy and survival over time, comparisons between sex and race groups, differences among States, and some interna- tional comparisons. Life expectancy at birth in the U.S. increased by about 26 years from 1900 to 1990. Survival rates increased at all ages, but the increases were particularly noteworthy at the younger ages. Life expectancy in the United States was greater for females than for males in all of the decennial periods. The gender gap increased substantially from 1900 to 1970 after which it narrowed slightly. Life expectancy for the white population was greater than for the black population in all decades. While the black/white gap in life expectancy narrowed overall, in the most recent decennial period (1980 to 1990) the gap widened. Hawaii had the highest life expectancy of all States in 1989\u201391. Louisiana and Mississippi shared the lowest life expectancy. The District of Columbia had a life expectancy of 67.99 years, lower than any of the States. Among selected countries, the United States ranked 17th in male life expectancy and 15th in female life expectancy.9-0201 (3/99)life89_1_3.pdf1999711