Life Expectancy is a widely used indicator of the capability to live a long and healthy life. It reflects the quantity, rather than quality, of the life of a population.

View research, best practices, and examples of the collective impact logic model related to Life Expectancy.

Call to Action: What We Can Do to Improve Life Expectancy?

Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Three behaviors (poor diet, physical inactivity, and tobacco use) contribute to four chronic diseases (cancer, heart disease and stroke, type 2 diabetes, and pulmonary diseases such as asthma) that cause over 50 percent of all deaths worldwide.

The following actions may contribute to a positive impact on Life Expectancy:

• Implement worksite programs intended to improve diet and/or physical activity behaviors
• Support policies that improve the availability of healthier food and beverage choices at public service venues (restaurants, stores, schools, etc.)
• Enhance community health through health communication strategies and social marketing
• Reduce tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure by supporting or implementing smoke-free policies
• Improve mental health and address mental illness through a home or clinic-based depression care management
• Enhance access to places for physical activity combined with informational outreach

Exercise

In 2026, 46.3% of the population exercised at least 2 hours or more.

Definition: Percent of the adult population who exercised at home 2+ times per week.

Why it matters: Regular physical activity reduces the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity—all of which can shorten Life Expectancy. Communities with higher levels of physical activity tend to experience better overall health outcomes.

Data Source(s)

• Data year: 2026. Source: ESRI Community Analyst, Vintage 2026.

Smoking

In 2025, 6.3% of the population smoked cigarettes in the last 12 months.

Definition: Percent of the adult population who smoked cigarettes in the last 12 months.

Why it matters: Smoking is one of the leading preventable causes of death. It significantly increases the risk of cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses, all of which contribute to lower Life Expectancy. Reducing smoking rates is a critical strategy for improving population health.

Data Source(s)

• Data year: 2025. Source: ESRI Community Analyst, Vintage 2025.

The reports below show the trend in Life Expectancy-related expanded indicators over time in San Diego County. Tracking these expanded indicators across multiple years helps us understand long-term patterns and progress toward improving population health.