Health report shows we’re all living longer

Mortality rates in Boston are falling, life expectancy is on the rise

BOSTON. Life expectancy in Boston is up and mortality rates are down, according to health officials for the city, which experienced a 14 percent decline in deaths in 2006 compared with 2000.

In 2006, 3,864 deaths were recorded compared to 4,500 in 2000, with fewer people dying from cancer, heart disease and stroke, according to the 2008 Health of Boston report released yesterday.

On average, Bostonians are now expected to live until they are 78, with Latinos expected to live the longest (81.1 years), followed by whites (78.7 years) and blacks (73.9 years). But the estimated life expectancy for both blacks and whites has risen by about one year in 2004-2006 compared 2002-2004.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the average life expectancy nationally is 77.8 years, based on 2005 data.

Barbara Ferrer, executive director of the Boston Public Health Commission, credited the city’s “robust health system,” as well as aggressive screening programs, efforts to encourage exercise, access to healthy foods and anti-smoking initiatives.

“I think everybody who lives here and works here should take great pride in this,” Ferrer said. “But we still have work cut out for us, even with great progress we’ve made.”

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