Life Expectancy
Goal: Increase quality of life in Saginaw County.
Measure
Life expectancy in Michigan (the data is collected at the state and federal levels) and the Years of Potential Life lost (under age 75), which is a measure of premature mortality per 1000,000 persons. As a method, it is an alternative to death rates that gives more weight to deaths that occur among younger people.
Why This Indicator is Important
Life expectancy offers insight into the overall health of a community. Due to advances in health care during recent decades, life expectancy has risen dramatically and translated into a higher population of elderly citizens. This creates a need for health and social support within the community to provide adequate services for an aging population.
How Are We Doing?
In Michigan as well as in Saginaw County, malignant neoplasms, heart disease, and accidents remain the most common causes of death that reduce years of potential life.
The rate in Saginaw County residents remains higher than the state in these areas except for accidents. However, diabetes mellitus (100 years more lost) and chronic liver disease (300 years more lost) as well as influenza, pneumonia and septicemia are among causes of death where rates in Saginaw County far exceed those in Michigan. This points to issues of overall quality of life in Saginaw County that include high rates of obesity and other chronic health problems.
The rate in Saginaw County residents remains higher than the state in these areas except for accidents. However, diabetes mellitus (100 years more lost) and chronic liver disease (300 years more lost) as well as influenza, pneumonia and septicemia are among causes of death where rates in Saginaw County far exceed those in Michigan. This points to issues of overall quality of life in Saginaw County that include high rates of obesity and other chronic health problems.
How Can You Have An Impact?
- Support life long learning opportunities in the county.
- Support services and funding for the elderly such as senior millages.
- Volunteer for community organizations that impact the quality of life in the county.
- Advocate for increased social services that focus on assisting older generations.
Home
