Black men in America are dying too soon—and not because they have to.
On average, Black men in the U.S. tend to have a shorter life expectancy compared with White men and many other demographic groups. Historically, this gap has been about 5–7 years shorter than that of White men.
In recent provisional U.S. data (2022), life expectancy at birth for non-Hispanic Black people increased but still remained behind other groups: about 72.8 years, compared with 77.5 years for non-Hispanic White people overall.
What’s Affecting Black Men’s Life Expectancy?
Life expectancy isn’t determined by biology alone: social conditions, access to healthcare, and structural factors have big impacts:
1. Chronic Health Conditions
Black men have higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions — all major contributors to mortality differences.
2. Access to Healthcare
Black men are more likely to be uninsured or underinsured and experience barriers to preventive care and early treatment. Historical mistrust in medical systems also contributes to delayed or avoided care.
3. Socioeconomic Status
Lower income, higher unemployment, and job insecurity are more prevalent among Black men, increasing stress and limiting access to healthy foods, safe neighborhoods, and quality healthcare.
4. Neighborhood and Environmental Conditions
Many Black men live in areas with limited access to healthcare facilities, healthy food Get The Full, Articles. .




