The demographics, conditions and other significant factors have changed considerably since then. An entire generation has come, and another one gone.

Immigration has changed the flavor and appeal of different states.

People have moved to different states.

The lifespan of women in blue states seemed artificially and questionably high since it grossly exceeded national averages. Yale demographic research is not necessarily gold standard. The Universities of Alabama or Kansas might present a very different story.

Jus' sayin'