Chicago life expectancy has increased, study says

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago's life expectancy has increased to 77.8 years, according to a report issued by the Chicago Department of Public Health.

Chicagoans are now living longer than ever, as life expectancy grew by more than seven years between 1990 and 2010, according to the report. The new life expectancy number is less than one year below the national average.

The neighborhoods with the largest increase in life expectancy were the Near North Side, the Loop, North Park, Forest Glen and Hyde Park, as residents in those neighborhoods are expected to live more than 82 years, according to the report.

The report attributes overall life expectancy increases to medical advances and reduced mortality from heart disease, cancer, HIV and other infectious diseases.