Identify two broad factors that account for differences between life expectancy and health expectancy in the USA, including examples explaining the second factor. Identify an expert recommendation based on these differences.

A. One reason that life expectancy and health expectancy differ is the effects of economic factors.
1. Comparing the wealthiest and poorest countries, or even the wealthiest and poorest sectors of the population within one country, yield even bigger differences.
2. Rich people live not only more years, but also more healthy years.
B. A second factor accounting for the difference is the changing nature of disease.
1. Life expectancy is affected by diseases that cause death.
2. Health expectancy is affected by diseases that compromise health.
3. Circulatory disorders are the leading diseases affecting both life expectancy and health expectancy.
4. Cancer and accidents are major factors affecting life expectancy.
5. Disorders restricting movement and respiratory disorders are major factors affecting health expectancy.
6. Depression affects health expectancy more than it affects life expectancy.
C. Interventions designed to improve life expectancy will not necessarily improve health expectancy or quality of life.
1. Therefore, experts recommend that as an index of a population’s overall health, its health expectancy (not life expectancy) be used.