Which is better for a country - a standard of living that supports an average longevity of 77, or of 47?

Prior to the 1930's and the growth of the welfare state - the longevity of the average person was the 40's, now almost a century later the average longevity has increased to almost 80; thanks to programs like medicare that give access to average seniors to advanced healthcare throughout their later years. Would America be stronger if we just did away with these programs and let the average person die around 50 and have a life expectancy more in line with the 3rd world? Is something like that scheme considered "improvement" in conservative circles?