State of Global Life Expectancy: Addressing Regional Disparities
The global life expectancy average stands at 73.3 years as of 2024, varying by region. Europe leads at 77.2 years, while Africa shows the lowest at 63.5 years. Significant progress is evident in various regions, yet challenges remain, especially in lower-income areas. Projections suggest improvements in life expectancy by 2050 across all regions.
As reported by the United Nations, global life expectancy at birth has significantly varied across regions as of 2024. The overall average life expectancy worldwide stands at 73.3 years, with females living longer at an average of 76.0 years compared to males at 70.7 years.
Europe holds the highest life expectancy, with an average of 77.2 years. Notable countries such as Spain, Italy, and Iceland contribute to this figure, with projections estimating an increase to approximately 83 years by 2050.
In Northern America, which includes the United States and Canada, the average life expectancy is recorded at 76.9 years. Specifically, the United States has a life expectancy of 76.1 years, while Canada enjoys a higher figure of 81.1 years. Projections indicate potential growth to about 94 years by 2050.
The combined life expectancy for Australia and New Zealand stands at 76.5 years. In this region, Australia has a life expectancy of 75.6 years, contrasted with New Zealand’s 80.5 years. By 2050, life expectancy in Australia and Oceania is expected to reach 82.1 years.
Latin America and the Caribbean report an average life expectancy of 75.5 years. This improvement is evident in nations such as Chile, Costa Rica, and Cuba, which are making notable advancements. The region aspires to attain a life expectancy of 80.6 years by 2050.
In Asia, the average life expectancy is 73.5 years, with significant disparities among countries. Japan demonstrates a remarkably high life expectancy of 87.2 years, while Afghanistan reports a much lower figure of 64.1 years. Asia anticipates an increase in life expectancy to near 80 years by 2050.
Africa, unfortunately, has the lowest life expectancy of 63.5 years. Though countries like Mauritius and Seychelles have shown progress, others such as the Central African Republic and Chad experience persistent challenges. The withdrawal of various health aids may hinder improvement, yet the UN predicts a gain of five years by 2050.
The findings from the United Nations highlight notable disparities in global life expectancy, with Europe leading at 77.2 years and Africa lagging at 63.5 years. While certain regions have made commendable progress, challenges persist, particularly in Africa. The broader implications for global health policy emphasize the need for equitable healthcare services to foster longevity across all demographics.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
