Final answer:
The statement is false. Native Americans have a lower life expectancy than the overall U.S. population, largely due to socioeconomic and health disparities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the average Native American life expectancy is approximately 4.2 years greater than the U.S. population is false. In reality, Native Americans have a lower life expectancy compared to most groups in the United States. This lower life expectancy among Native Americans is due to several factors, including long-term poverty, inadequate education, cultural dislocation, and high rates of unemployment. Additionally, issues like lack of access to healthcare and environmental factors, such as high levels of mercury in traditional diets, contribute to the health disparities affecting Native American populations.