These Are the States With the Longest and Shortest Life Expectancies

Things take longer on island time. Even death.

According to a recent study published in JAMA journal, Hawaiians have the longest life expectancy of any American state.

At 81.3 years, the average life expectancy for a Hawaiian from birth is the longest in the country. Hawaii has been considered one of the healthiest states in the U.S. for several years. Only 19 percent of Hawaiians suffer from obesity, the lowest in the country. And only about 17 percent of Hawaiians smoke. Hawaiians report some of the lowest rates of depression in the country as well.

If you needed any more motivation to move to Hawaii, prepare to pack up your belongings. The healthy statistics are no accident. Over the past few years, Hawaii has led several health initiatives, including building new biking and walking paths. The state also is famous for its nature hikes and easy access to the beach.

But even though Hawaiians have the longest life expectancy, those in Minnesota have the longest “healthy” life expectancy at 70.3 years.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Mississippi had the lowest life expectancy for any American state at 74.7 years.

Risks that contributed to a shorter life span included tobacco consumption, a high BMI, poor diet, alcohol and drug use, and high blood pressure.