Study: Utah ranks 15th in life expentancy

A new study from SeniorLiving.org shows Utah is the No. 15 state in America with a life expectancy 79.6 years old. U.S. Life expectancy declined nationally for the third consecutive year in 2018. However, the causes differ greatly by state.

In addition to cancer and heart disease — the two biggest causes of death in America — increases in suicide, drug overdoses and liver disease connected to alcoholism have skyrocketed.

Key findings in Utah and nationally:

• Heart Disease: Utah ranks No. 33 with 150.2 deaths per 100,000 people. Oklahoma had the most heart-related deaths with 237.2 per 100,000. Minnesota had the fewest with 119.1 per 100,000.

• Cancer: Utah had the fewest with 120.3 per 100,000. Kentucky had the most cancer deaths with 185.7 per 100,000. 

 • Suicide: Utah ranks No. 6 with 22.7 suicides per 100,000 people. Montana had the most suicides with 28.9 per 100,000. New York had the fewest with 8.1 per 100,000.

• Drug Overdoses: Utah ranks No. 22 with 22.3 drug overdoses per 100,000 people. West Virginia had the most drug overdoses with 57.8 per 100,000 people. Nebraska had the fewest with 8.1 per 100,000.

• Liver Disease: Utah ranks No. 43 with 8.8 live-related deaths per 100,000. New Mexico had the most liver-related deaths with 26.8 per 100,000 people. Maryland had the fewest with 6.6 per 100,000.