Statistics: Death in Black And White

Death in Black And White

Through better diets and increased exercise, most Americans can look forward to longer lives. Last week, however, the National Center for Health Statistics reported a disturbing countertrend. From 1984 to 1986, the average life expectancy of whites rose from 75.3 to a record 75.4 years. But for blacks during that same period it declined, going from 69.7 to 69.4 years. A major cause: a stark increase in accidental deaths and homicides. While there are 5.6 murders among each 100,000 whites, there are a harrowing 32.4 homicides for each 100,000 blacks, up 15%. Among black males the rate is even higher: 55.9...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!