Final answer:
The average duration of life impairment due to poor health varies based on multiple factors, such as age and location. Over 50 million US adults have mental illnesses which can lead to disability and economic strain. The condition of regional health is evaluated with self-reported health and disability data.
Step-by-step explanation:
The average duration of life impairment due to poor mental or physical health varies considerably across the US population. Factors affecting these averages include age, socioeconomic status, and geographic location. Older adults, particularly those over 65 years, have lower self-reported rates of “excellent” or “very good” health compared to younger adults, and commonly face health issues like arthritis, hypertension, and heart disease. Furthermore, areas such as the Deep South and Appalachia see higher average “sick days” per person per month, which can have substantial economic implications both regionally and nationally.
With regard to mental health, a significant portion of the adult population in the US has mental disorders or illnesses, with the National Institute of Mental Health indicating that over 50 million adults are affected. Mental illness, particularly serious mental illness, can lead to disability and substantial impairment in an individual's life. The impact is not just personal but also has social and economic repercussions, leading to challenges like increased healthcare costs and societal support requirements for those affected. Additionally, disability payments contribute to economic strains within the US.
Therefore, the question touches upon the intersection of health, social welfare, and economics, highlighting the complexity of assessing the average years a typical American is impaired by poor health. Precise averages are difficult to determine universally, but the condition of a region's health can be evaluated using survey data on self-reported health and disability rates.