The good news is that Americans are living longer. The bad news is that our extended time on this patch of earth is increasingly marked by the ceaseless, ever-building procession of misery. At least we have cable.

Guess what "the most comprehensive analysis of the health of the U.S. population in more than 15 years" found? Well. I guess I gave it away somewhat in the opening paragraph. Still, you have plenty of time to kill before you pass away. Why not read one more paragraph? From the WSJ:

The findings... show progress in reducing death rates, adjusted for age, across a variety of diseases. But death rates from illnesses associated with obesity, such as diabetes and kidney disease, as well as neurological conditions like Alzheimer's disease, are on the rise.

Meanwhile, the number of years of living with chronic disability, an indicator of quality of life, rose for the average American in the past 20 years, partly reflecting increased longevity.

Sure, you can live longer... with diabetes, disability, and Alzheimer's. Don't be mad! You could be living longer... in prison. With diabetes, disability, and Alzheimer's.

[Photo: Flickr]