At the turn of the 20th century, most Americans would be lucky to live until the age of 40. Since then, changes and certain advancements in medicine, diet, climate and overall living conditions have increased the average life expectancy in the United States.
In addition to environmental factors, in recent years the collective attitude towards health has shifted. Many people value good nutrition and promoting active lifestyles, which in turn can lead to longevity. But which areas of the country are seeing results?
Using data from U.S. death records from 1897-2014 (mainly from the Social Security Death Index (SSDI)), MooseRoots found the top counties in the country with the highest average age of death. To do so, they sifted through their database of about 100 million death records to calculate the average age at death for each county. Records without a county listed and without an age at death listed were excluded, as were counties that had fewer than 10,000 death records.
Here's how the entire country stacks up:
Note: MooseRoots used the average age as their key statistic instead of life expectancy. Also, Florida was not included in this ranking because their death records do not disclose counties.
Friar and Ram pride runs deep in Rhode Island, so head down to one of the country’s best college basketball venues to see URI and Providence College face off.
The games tend to go down to the wire and the atmosphere created by both fan sections make this a must-see sports event.
Everyone knows Charles Dickens’ tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, and the chance to see a remarkable and always different interpretation at Trinity Rep is a Rhode Island tradition.
Get in the holiday spirit by watching Scrooge fill his heart with the joy and love Christmas brings.
It’s midnight and you’re in downtown Providence looking for a bite to eat, but nearly every place is closed. What are you to do? Head to Haven Brothers.
Order a saugy and enjoy every bite of it inside of the portable diner.
This beach is only accessible by foot, but once you’re lounging with the dunes behind you and open Atlantic Ocean in front of you, you’ll never want to leave.
Goosewing Beach provides you with all you could want and more.
Bring your Fourth of July celebrations right into the heart of Bristol and experience America’s oldest 4th of July parade.
Finding a parking spot will be your biggest challenge, but once you’re there the festivities, food, and music are like nothing you’ve ever seen before.
Experience a high school hockey game of the legendary Coach Bill Belisle, who leads his Mounties at the storied confines of Adelard Arena.
This program has produced two of the three Americans ever selected number one in the NHL Draft and won every state title from 1978 to 2003 - the longest high school sports streak in U.S. history.
Head out to the ballpark that is home to the longest game in baseball history and the launching pad to the careers of Fred Lynn, Jim Rice, Dustin Pedroia and dozens of other Boston Red Sox greats.
If you attend near the Fourth of July, make sure to stick around for fireworks after the game.
Embark on this recently renovated 3.5 mile path that runs from Bailey’s Beach all the way to First Beach.
As waves crash below you, make sure you look inland towards the ornate architecture of Newport’s many mansions and take in the natural beauty of the shoreline.
Hop aboard the Block Island Ferry, skip the beach, and head right for this historic lighthouse that was first lit in 1875.
Before you check out the nearby Mohegan Bluffs, be sure to head up to the fog signal itself that goes off every 30 seconds and look out as far as your eye can see.
Join the small group of people who have had a State House insider bring them up the stairs towards the top of the State House. Along the way make sure you take in the many amazing murals of the Rotunda.
Once you conquer the stairs, you’ll be as high as the marble dome and “Independent Man” sit and take in breathtaking views for miles around.