Study Highlights 19-Year Disparity in Life Expectancy Among Hawai?i Ethnic Groups

A comprehensive study conducted by the University of Hawai?i has revealed a significant 19-year gap in life expectancy among the state's major racial and ethnic groups. The analysis, recently published in the Hawai?i Journal of Health and Social Welfare, provides updated insights into the health landscape of Hawai?i, a state often noted for its generally high longevity compared to the national average.

The research team, comprising experts from the University of Hawai?i at Manoa's Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health and the Hawai?i State Department of Health, utilized the most current data to evaluate life expectancy trends through 2020. Building on previous studies spanning from 1950 to 2010, the latest findings offer a detailed breakdown by ethnicity and highlight critical disparities that persist despite overall improvements in public health.

Key Findings: Life Expectancy by Ethnic Group

The average life expectancy at birth for Hawai?i residents stands at 81.9 years, notably higher than the United States national average of 77.0 years. However, this figure masks considerable differences among specific communities:

• Native Hawaiians: 77.4 years
• Other Pacific Islanders: 69.6 years (first inclusion in this analysis)
• Chinese: 88.2 years
• Japanese: 84.9 years
• Korean: 84.3 years
• Filipino: 83.4 years
• White: 81.8 years

According to the report, Native Hawaiians have a life expectancy that is 10 years lower than the group with the highest longevity, while Other Pacific Islanders experience an even more pronounced gap, living nearly 19 years less on average than the longest-living group, Chinese residents.

Underlying Causes of Disparities

The researchers attribute these disparities to a range of social and economic factors. Communities with higher proportions of college graduates, stable incomes, and homeownership--such as East Asians and Whites--tend to experience greater longevity. In contrast, Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders are more likely to face challenges including lower levels of educational attainment, reduced economic security, and barriers to homeownership, all of which are linked to poorer health outcomes and shorter life spans.

The study emphasizes the importance of analyzing public health data by specific racial and ethnic categories. By disaggregating data, health authorities can better identify at-risk populations and tailor programs to address their unique needs, thereby reducing health inequities across the state.

Implications for Public Health Policy

With ongoing efforts to promote health equity, the findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and culturally informed health policies. Improving access to education, economic opportunities, and healthcare among groups with lower life expectancies is identified as a potential pathway to narrowing the longevity gap. The University of Hawai?i researchers continue to collaborate with state agencies and community organizations to inform and develop effective, data-driven public health strategies that address the specific challenges faced by Hawai?i's diverse communities.

As the state maintains its place among the healthiest in the nation, the study highlights the critical importance of addressing underlying social determinants of health to ensure all residents have the opportunity to achieve optimal well-being and longevity.