ABSTRACT
Opportunity used to characterize the United States and many came here seeking better lives. If it ever existed, our meritocracy is no more. Vital signs for a nation are measured by various mortality rates and economic and well-being outcomes with comparisons made to other countries to see what is normal, namely, the best outcomes. The Health Olympics' tallies represent comparisons of various health indicators among nations. The United States now ranks behind rich nations and many less rich ones despite being one of the healthiest in the early 1950s. None of us can escape the grim reaper as the healthiest people are never found in this country. Most Americans remain unaware of these killer facts. Personal health-related behaviors matter less than we think. COVID-19 outcomes highlight our dismal results. Well-being and happiness measures mirror mortality measures.
