African-Americans have a life expectancy that is five years shorter than Caucasians. When you just look at African-American males, the disparity is even greater. Many factors account for this difference. It is important to understand these issues so that they may be successful addressed.

One factor that accounts for this disparity is that African-Americans are overrepresented in certain health conditions. One significant one is HIV. This serious disease can affect one’s health greatly. Without proper treatment it is usually fatal in a short number of years. When conditions such as these affect more members of this community, the overall lifespan will be shorter.

There are a number of other conditions that are overrepresented. According to the Centers for Disease Control, African Americans had higher rates of stroke, perinatal disease and diabetes. All of these serious conditions affect lifespan.

Access to healthcare is another major player in the lifespan disparity. Many conditions can be treated with medications if caught early. Some African-Americans do not have the same access to healthcare. They may not have insurance or may just not get it for other reasons.

Without early detection and treatment many simple conditions can become severe and even life-threatening. For instance, hypertension is easily detected through a simple blood pressure reading. Without going to the doctor, however, many African-Americans do not realize they have hypertension, or the “silent killer.” They will therefore be at an increased risk for a wide array of conditions such as stroke, cardiovascular disease, cancer and more, all of which can shorten lifespan.

Crime and violence also play a part in the shortened lifespan for African-Americans. For instance, the CDC states that African-Americans had nine times as many years of potential life lost because of homicides.

Lifestyle can also affect lifespan. A greater percentage of African-Americans life in disadvantaged conditions. These disadvantaged conditions are linked to a greater incidence of drug and alcohol abuse. Such abuse is linked to many health conditions such as heart problems, which can be fatal. Also, people may not understand or have access to the healthier types of foods, which support a healthier life and longer lifespan. They may not have the opportunity or money to join a health club or get exercise equipment to provide life-lengthening exercise.

It is important to understand the different factors that account for decreased lifespan for African-Americans. With this knowledge, steps can hopefully be taken to address some of these issues and increase lifespan. With hard work, lives can be saved.

Resources:

http://www.boston.com/news/education/higher/articles/2007/08/11/us_life_span_shorter/

http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news.aspx?id=109701

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5401a1.htm