---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Life expectancy in America is about 79…"
description: "\"Life expectancy in America is about 79, we should be able to live to 92. Somewhere along the line, we're leaving 13 years on the table. So my quest is ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b28/dan-buettner-12394_able_life-expectancy-in-america-is-about-79-w_2137126.png"
---

#  Life expectancy in America is about 79, we should be able…

![“Life expectancy in America is about 79, we should be able to live to 92. Somewhere along the line, we're leaving 13 years on the table. So my quest is -- how do we get those extra 13 years? And how do we make those extra 13 years good years?” quote by Dan Buettner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b28/dan-buettner-12394_able_life-expectancy-in-america-is-about-79-w_2137126.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b28/dan-buettner-12394_able_life-expectancy-in-america-is-about-79-w_2137126.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b28/dan-buettner-12394_able_life-expectancy-in-america-is-about-79-w_2137126.png)

> “Life expectancy in America is about 79, we should be able to live to 92. Somewhere along the line, we're leaving 13 years on the table. So my quest is -- how do we get those extra 13 years? And how do we make those extra 13 years good years?”

[Dan Buettner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dan-buettner/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

He highlights a 13‑year lifespan gap in the U.S. and seeks ways to add healthy years.

**In simple terms:** We can gain 13 healthier years.

Key Takeaway

Improve health for longevity.

Themes

longevity public health well‑being

Mood

motivational optimistic

Type

inspirational analytical

When to use this quote

- policy planning
- personal lifestyle
- community design

Key Concepts

preventive medicine social determinants

Questions to Reflect On

- What policies could close the lifespan gap?
- How can individuals add healthy years?

A Different Perspective

Economic and social barriers may limit access to health resources.

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[America](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/america/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Life expectancy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life-expectancy/)

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