Drug overdoses, suicides cause drop in 2017 US life expectancy; CDC director calls it a 'wakeup call'

By Susan Scutti, CNN

Updated 1910 GMT (0310 HKT) December 17, 2018

Chat with us in Facebook Messenger. Find out what's happening in the world as it unfolds.

The Italian diet, combined with a climate that promotes outdoor activity, is thought to play an important role in healthy aging among Italians.
Photos: The countries where people live longest
Italy – The Italian diet, combined with a climate that promotes outdoor activity, is thought to play an important role in healthy aging among Italians.
Hide Caption
1 of 11
Japan has the longest-living population in the world, with the average 60-year-old going on to live until age 86. Experts say this is due to good diets, active lifestyles and supportive family structure.
Photos: The countries where people live longest
Japan – Japan has the longest-living population in the world, with the average 60-year-old going on to live until age 86. Experts say this is due to good diets, active lifestyles and supportive family structure.
Hide Caption
2 of 11
Spain's version of the Mediterranean diet combined with strong family networks is believed to enhance life expectancy among its population. In Spain, average life expectancy at age 60 is 85.
Photos: The countries where people live longest
Spain – Spain's version of the Mediterranean diet combined with strong family networks is believed to enhance life expectancy among its population. In Spain, average life expectancy at age 60 is 85.
Hide Caption
3 of 11
France also tied second with the other countries in southern Europe with, those over 60 living to the age of 85, on average. Pictured, a couple sit on a bench in Cannes.
Photos: The countries where people live longest
France – France also tied second with the other countries in southern Europe with, those over 60 living to the age of 85, on average. Pictured, a couple sit on a bench in Cannes.
Hide Caption
4 of 11
Diet and outdoor lifestyle in Andorra help to keep the country's elderly population healthy.
Photos: The countries where people live longest
Andorra – Diet and outdoor lifestyle in Andorra help to keep the country's elderly population healthy.
Hide Caption
5 of 11
The universal health care system in Australia, combined with Australians' outdoor lifestyle, help people live longer, according to experts. Pictured, a war veteran during ANZAC Day.
Photos: The countries where people live longest
Australia – The universal health care system in Australia, combined with Australians' outdoor lifestyle, help people live longer, according to experts. Pictured, a war veteran during ANZAC Day.
Hide Caption
6 of 11