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Despite its location in the expansive Appalachian Mountains and its stunning geography, West Virginia’s life expectancy is below the national average. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 2020 and 2021, the life expectancy in West Virginia decreased by two years. This indicates that individuals born in 2021 are expected to live only 71 years on average, which is considerably lower compared to states like Hawaii and Massachusetts, where life expectancies are 79.9 and 79.6 years, respectively. Only Mississippi has a lower life expectancy than West Virginia, at 70.9 years.
While the national average life expectancy decreased from 77 in 2020 to 76.4 in 2021, states like West Virginia have experienced a continual decline. Although the worldwide pandemic in 2020 impacted global life expectancy rates, by 2021, the leading causes of death in West Virginia were not related to COVID. Instead, cancer topped the list, with accidents and drug overdoses following closely behind.
Various factors contribute to longevity, but in West Virginia, poverty, socioeconomic conditions, and limited access to healthcare and education about physical and mental health seem to be significant factors. West Virginia also ranks lowest in the country for women’s life expectancy.
Unhealthy lifestyle choices aren’t helping West Virginia’s life expectancy
In 2021, cancer was the leading cause of death in West Virginia, with 148.7 deaths per capita, a statistic often linked to unhealthy lifestyle choices.
According to the American Lung Association, West Virginia has the highest smoking rate at 21%, with tobacco use being the primary cause of cancer. The state also has the highest obesity rate in the U.S., with 41.2% of residents having a BMI of 40% or more. In examining the link between obesity and contributing factors, the CDC found that most obese individuals in the U.S. have limited education, with many not completing high school. According to Newsweek, West Virginia is one of the least educated states and has one of the highest unemployment rates.
The World Health Organization notes that one-third of cancer-related deaths are due to smoking, high BMI, lack of physical activity, and insufficient fruit and vegetable consumption. Many in West Virginia may not be receiving adequate information about maintaining their health, and with the state’s poverty rate (the third lowest in the country), lifestyle choices may be more about sustenance than nutrition.
Accidents and addiction also play a role
In addition to cancer, obesity, and poverty rates, accidents are the second leading cause of death in West Virginia, with 134.7 deaths per capita. Poorly maintained roads and inadequate lighting contribute to the state’s dangerous driving conditions. Moreover, the rural landscape makes accessing timely medical care challenging after an accident.
The third factor contributing to West Virginia’s low life expectancy is drug overdoses. The widespread availability of prescription painkillers in the mid-1990s led to a severe opioid crisis, resulting in numerous deaths that continue to rise. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, opioid-related deaths increased from 49,860 in 2019 to over 80,000 in 2022. West Virginia has been especially affected, maintaining the highest overdose death rate in the country from 2011 to 2021 (per SHADAC).
Despite these challenges, not all West Virginians are destined to become statistics. If you’re struggling with drug addiction, numerous programs can assist you in overcoming it. Carrying Narcan can also be helpful. Smokers can use patches and gums to quit tobacco. If fresh vegetables are not affordable at every meal, try substituting at least one processed item with a fruit or vegetable daily. Small changes can make a difference.
If you or someone you know needs help with addiction issues, support is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
