Study Reveals Underreported Life Expectancy of American Indians and Alaska Natives

American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) in the U.S. face a life expectancy closer to that of El Salvador than the national average. A new JAMA study indicates that the true life expectancy of AI/AN populations is 72.7 years, nearly four years less than official statistics suggest.

The study highlights significant misreporting on death certificates, with 41% of AI/AN deaths incorrectly labeled as “white.” Lead author Jacob Bor from Boston University underscores the gravity of this data omission: “What you have is the statistical equivalent of unmarked graves for thousands of American Indians.”

Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau and CDC from 2008 to 2019, the researchers combined mortality data with self-identified race to paint a clearer picture of AI/AN life expectancy. The gap between AI/AN populations and the broader U.S. population’s life expectancy widened from 4.1 years (2008-2010) to 8 years (2017-2019), partly attributable to rising mortality from drug overdoses and chronic diseases.

Tribal leaders are acknowledging the study’s findings while advocating against Health and Human Services cuts that could further endanger Native American health. Siobhan Wescott, an expert in Indigenous health, praised the research, describing it as “a breath of fresh air.”

The study calls for a shift in power regarding racial classification, emphasizing the importance of self-identification over bureaucratic labeling. As researcher Michael Bird notes, understanding historical and cultural determinants of health is essential for addressing these disparities. The study aims to foster dialogue on the invisibility of Indigenous populations and their healthcare needs.

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