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Life Expectancy around the World

Introduction[1]

This paper is about life expectancy, a statistical measure that represents the average length of time a person is expected to live based on the year of their birth, their current age, and other demographic factors such as sex and race. It is typically calculated using data from large populations and is an important indicator of overall health and well-being.

Life expectancy can vary widely between different countries and regions and is influenced by many factors, including access to healthcare, nutrition, lifestyle choices, environmental conditions, and socioeconomic status. People in developed countries tend to have higher life expectancies than those in less developed countries, although there are many exceptions to this pattern.

As of 2021, the global average life expectancy was approximately 73 years, although that figure varies widely depending on the country and demographic group in question. It is important to note that life expectancy is a statistical measure and does not guarantee a specific lifespan for any individual person.

word-image-3687-2
Picture: “Age Wave” by jurvetson is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Regional Variations
Life expectancy can also vary widely within countries, depending on factors such as socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and environmental conditions. For example, in the United States, there are significant disparities in life expectancy between different racial and ethnic groups, with African Americans generally having lower life expectancies than White Americans.

Ageing Populations
As populations around the world continue to age, there are a growing number of concerns about the sustainability of healthcare systems and social welfare programs. Some countries are implementing policies and programs to support healthy ageing and ensure that older adults can continue to live fulfilling and independent lives.

Longevity Research
Advances in medical research and technology are also contributing to increases in life expectancy around the world. Scientists are studying a range of interventions and therapies that may help to extend lifespan and improve health in old age, from gene editing to anti-ageing drugs.

Environmental Factors
In addition to lifestyle and dietary factors, environmental conditions can also have a significant impact on life expectancy. Air pollution, exposure to toxic chemicals, and climate change are all major public health concerns that can contribute to a range of health problems, including respiratory illness, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.

Exploring these additional topics will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the complex factors that contribute to differences in life expectancy around the world.

Overall, it is likely that a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors contribute to differences in life expectancy between countries and that there is no one-size-fits-all explanation for why certain populations live longer than others.

Factors Impacting Life Expectancy
Many factors can impact life expectancy, including:

  • Access to healthcare: Access to quality healthcare and preventative services can help individuals stay healthy and catch diseases early, leading to a longer life.
  • Lifestyle choices: Factors such as diet, exercise, and smoking can significantly impact life expectancy. A healthy diet and regular exercise can help prevent chronic diseases and increase life expectancy, while smoking can have the opposite effect.
  • Environmental factors: Exposure to pollution, toxins, and other environmental hazards can have a negative impact on health and decrease life expectancy.
  • Socioeconomic status: Individuals with higher incomes and better education tend to live longer and healthier lives than those with lower incomes and less education.
  • Genetics: Some genetic factors can impact life expectancy, such as inherited predispositions to certain diseases.
  • Culture and customs: Cultural practices and traditions can also impact life expectancy – such as dietary habits, exercise routines, and access to healthcare.
  • Coronavirus: The covid virus deaths since 2019 have skewed the statistics on life expectancy.

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Picture: Cover of the U.S. government print edition of The World Factbook (2016–17 edition)
Attribution: Directorate of Intelligence, US CIA, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Page URL: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:CIA_World_Factbook_2016-17_Cover.jpg

I have researched the life expectancy statistics in several of the world’s largest countries, which follows next.

The information provided about life expectancy is based on widely accepted and publicly available sources, including:

  • World Health Organization (WHO).
  • United Nations (UN).
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH).
  • World Bank.
  • International Monetary Fund (IMF).
  • Official government and health organisation websites for individual countries.
  • The CIA Factbook.

The information provided is general and may vary depending on the specific source and the context in which it is presented. For example, I came across data showing the rates of increase or decrease in life expectancy over the last four years. At first glance, those rates seem unusual since they are consistent – they suggested the rate was the same for every year. In my view, it cannot be a simple coincidence. I am not suggesting the data is wrong, but I don’t understand it. Further investigation into the source and methodology of the data is needed to understand the reasons behind the consistency.

Picture: “Figures and facts” by kerolic is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

Overall, life expectancy is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, and different factors may have a greater impact depending on the individual and the population in question.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the top three countries for longevity are Japan, Switzerland, and Singapore. I have included a review of Japan, which has the highest life expectancy in the world, with an average life expectancy of 84.6 years. It is largely due to the country’s healthy lifestyle, which includes a diet rich in fish, vegetables, and grains, as well as a culture of physical activity and a strong emphasis on social connectedness. The life expectancy for men in Japan in the three years from 2019 to 2021 was 81.4 years, while for women, it was 87.4 years.

A few words about Switzerland, Singapore and San Marino:

  • Switzerland has a life expectancy of 83.1 years on average. This is due to several factors, including the country’s excellent healthcare system, high standard of living, and a culture that emphasises outdoor activity and healthy living. The life expectancy for men in Switzerland in the last three years was 81.5 years, while for women it was 84.7 years.
  • Singapore: Singapore has a life expectancy of 83.0 years on average. This is partly due to the country’s excellent healthcare system, which provides universal coverage and high-quality care. Singapore also has a strong emphasis on education and a culture of hard work and discipline. The life expectancy for men in Singapore in the last three years was 81.6 years, while for women it was 85.1 years.
  • San Marino: San Marino is a small country located within Italy and is not included among the top three countries for longevity of life by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, San Marino does have a high life expectancy compared to many other countries, with an average life expectancy of 83.6 years as of 2021. The life expectancy for men in San Marino in the three years from 2019 to 2021 was 81.5 years, while for women it was 85.6 years. San Marino’s high life expectancy can be attributed to factors such as its excellent healthcare system, high standard of living, and healthy Mediterranean diet that includes fresh fruits, vegetables, and olive oil. Additionally, San Marino has a culture that emphasises physical activity, and the country’s small size and close-knit community may also contribute to its high life expectancy.

It’s worth noting that these countries also have relatively low levels of air pollution, which is linked to a range of health problems suffered by other countries, and it also has high levels of social support, which can help people cope with stress and improve mental health.

Japan[2]
Among the world’s more than 200 nations and territories, Japan has had the highest average longevity since the early 1980s, when its combined (male and female) life expectancy at birth surpassed 77 years. Further gains followed, and by 2020 Japan’s combined life expectancy at birth was about 84.6 years.


Picture: “Japan in Winter” by Loïc Lagarde is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Women live longer in all societies, and by 2020 their life expectancy in Japan was about 87.7 years, ahead of 86.2 years in second-place Spain. Average longevity results from complex and interacting genetic, lifestyle, and nutritional factors. Determining to what extent it is affected by diet alone is impossible, but if there are unique features to a nation’s diet, they clearly deserve a closer examination. Is there anything truly special about Japan’s food consumption that would provide a ready explanation of that diet’s contribution to the nation’s record longevity? and what about other countries?

Japan’s food consumption is often cited as a factor contributing to the country’s record longevity. The traditional Japanese diet, which emphasises fish, vegetables, soy, and other whole foods, has been associated with numerous health benefits, including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. In addition to the specific foods consumed, other aspects of Japanese dietary culture may contribute to health and longevity. For example, the practice of hara hachi bu, or eating until you are 80% full, is thought to promote healthy digestion and prevent overeating. The emphasis on food presentation and variety in Japanese cuisine may also encourage a more balanced and nutrient-rich diet.

That being said, it is important to note that diet is just one of many factors that influence health and longevity, and it is difficult to isolate its effects from other lifestyle and environmental factors. Other countries may have unique dietary practices or food cultures that contribute to longevity in different ways. For example, the Mediterranean diet has numerous health benefits, including a lower risk of heart disease and stroke, and is a common dietary pattern in countries such as Greece and Italy.

United States
The US has a diverse population, and life expectancy varies widely between racial and ethnic groups. The United States has an average life expectancy of approximately 78 years, although this varies widely by demographic group and geographic region. Some factors that contribute to differences in life expectancy in the US include access to healthcare, socioeconomic status, and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise:

  • Healthcare in the US is primarily provided through private insurance, although there are also government-funded programs such as Medicare and Medicaid that provide coverage to certain populations.
  • The US is a wealthy country with a strong economy, although there are significant disparities in wealth and income between different groups.

Life expectancy at birth in the United States declined from 2020 to 2021, according to new provisional data from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS)[3]. That decline – 77.0 to 76.1 years – took US life expectancy at birth to its lowest level since 1996. The 0.9-year drop in life expectancy in 2021, along with a 1.8-year drop in 2020, was the biggest two-year decline in life expectancy since 1921-1923.

The data are featured in a new report, Provisional Life Expectancy Estimates for 2021[4]. The report shows that non-Hispanic American Indian-Alaskan Native people (AIAN) had the biggest drop in life expectancy in 2021 – 1.9 years. AIAN people had a life expectancy at birth of 65.2 years in 2021 – equal to the life expectancy of the total US population in 1944. AIAN life expectancy has declined by 6.6 years from 2019 to 2021:

  • Non-Hispanic white people in the United States had the second biggest decline in life expectancy in 2021 – one full year from 77.4 in 2020 to 76.4 in 2021.

Picture: “NY Statue of Liberty” by Celso Flores is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

  • Non-Hispanic Black people had the third biggest decline, a 0.7-year drop from 71.5 years in 2020 to 70.8 in 2021. Life expectancy at birth in 2021 was the lowest for both groups since 1995.
  • After a large (4.0 year) drop in life expectancy from 2019 to 2020, Hispanic people in the US had a slight decline in 2021 of 0.2 years to 77.6 years.
  • Life expectancy for non-Hispanic Asian people also dropped slightly in 2021 – 0.1 years – to 83.5 years, the highest life expectancy of any race/ethnic group included in this analysis.

Other findings documented in the report were:

  • Life expectancy at birth for women in the United States dropped 0.8 years from 79.9 years in 2020 to 79.1 in 2021, while life expectancy for men dropped one full year, from 74.2 years in 2020 to 73.2 in 2021. The report shows the disparity in life expectancy between men and women grew in 2021 from 5.7 years in 2020 to 5.9 years in 2021. From 2000 to 2010, this disparity had narrowed to 4.8 years but gradually increased from 2010 to 2019 and is now the largest gap since 1996.
  • The declines in life expectancy since 2019 are largely driven by the pandemic. COVID-19 deaths contributed to nearly three-fourths or 74% of the decline from 2019 to 2020 and 50% of the decline from 2020 to 2021. An estimated 16% of the decrease in life expectancy from 2020 to 2021 can be attributed to increases in deaths from accidents/unintentional injuries. Drug overdose deaths account for nearly half of all unintentional injury deaths. The most recent data reported by NCHS showed more than 109,000 overdose deaths in the one year ending in March of 2022.
  • Other causes of death contributing to the decline in life expectancy from 2020 to 2021 include heart disease (4.1% of the decline), chronic liver disease and cirrhosis (3.0%), and suicide (2.1%). For men, the one-year decline in life expectancy was attributed primarily to mortality from COVID-19 (49.5% of the decline), unintentional injuries (19.1%), suicide (3.6%), chronic liver disease and cirrhosis (3.4%), and homicide (2.5%). For women, the 0.8-year decline in life expectancy was attributed mainly to mortality from COVID-19 (51.2% of the decline), unintentional injuries (14.8%), heart disease (5.7%), stroke (3.5%), and chronic liver disease and cirrhosis (2.4%).

China[5]
China (officially The People’s Republic of China) has an average life expectancy of approximately 76 years[6], although this varies by region and demographic group. Recent data[7] show a progressive increase as follows:

  • The life expectancy in 2023 is 77.47 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2022 was 77.30 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2021 was 77.13 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2020 was 76.96 years.

The infant mortality rate is 7 per thousand.[8] Both this and the average expectancy rate have improved significantly since the 1950s.[9]

Despite significant improvements in health and the construction of advanced medical facilities, China has several emerging public health problems, such as respiratory illnesses caused by widespread air pollution,[10] hundreds of millions of cigarette smokers,[11] and increased obesity among urban youths.[12]

In the world’s most populous country, with a rapidly growing economy and a large middle class, life expectancy has continuously risen over the last decades, benefitting greatly from China’s economic ascendance. In 2020, the average life expectancy at birth in China reached about 77.1 years.

Picture: “Great Wall of China” by matt512 is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Whereas average life expectancy at birth has been growing steadily, birth rates in China have been experiencing a slowdown. In 2020, about 8.52 babies were born per 1,000 women in China, the lowest point in the recent decade:

  • As a result of low fertility rates and extended life expectancy in China, the share of older people has been rising rapidly. The Chinese population aged 60 and older has more than doubled over the past three decades and is projected to reach its peak at 485.49 million in 2050.
  • People aged 60 and older have been estimated to account for approximately a quarter of China’s total population by 2030, indicating a sharp climb from just above 12 per cent in 2010. To pinpoint this massive shift in the age pyramid of China, an important indicator for measuring the pressure of the ageing population on the productive population may be consulted.
  • The old-age dependency ratio in China was expected to reach 43.6 per cent in 2050.[13]

Factors contributing to differences in life expectancy in China include access to healthcare, environmental pollution, and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise. Healthcare in China is primarily provided through a government-funded system, although there is also a growing private healthcare sector.

Germany

Picture: “Elderly Woman Serves Bratwurst at Oktoberfest – Idstein, Germany” by ChrisGoldNY is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.

Germany’s average life expectancy is approximately 81 years, although this varies by demographic group, region and gender. Life expectancy in Germany has steadily increased over the past few decades. For example, in 1980, the life expectancy for men was around 71 years, and for women was around 77 years. By 2020, the life expectancy for men had increased to about 78 years, and for women, it had risen to about 83 years.

Factors contributing to differences in life expectancy in Germany include access to healthcare, environmental factors, lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise, and socioeconomic status. The healthcare system in Germany is generally regarded as one of the best in the world, with universal health coverage and a mix of public and private insurance, helping ensure that most Germans have access to quality healthcare.

Environmental factors, such as air pollution, can also impact life expectancy. For example, high levels of air pollution in cities such as Berlin and Munich have been linked to higher rates of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, which can reduce life expectancy.

Regarding lifestyle choices, Germans tend to have a relatively healthy diet, focusing on fresh produce, whole grains, and lean proteins. However, alcohol consumption, smoking, and lack of physical activity are still significant issues, especially among certain demographic groups. Socioeconomic status is also a factor in life expectancy, with people from lower income and education levels having lower life expectancy compared to those from higher income and education levels, thought to be due to a combination of factors, including access to healthcare, diet, and environmental factors.

According to the latest WHO data published in 2020, life expectancy in Germany is: male 78.7, female 84.8, and total life expectancy is 81.7 giving Germany a World Life Expectancy ranking of 20.[14]

United Kingdom

Picture: “Big Ben, Portcullis House and Westminster Bridge” by UK Parliament is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

The United Kingdom (UK) has an average life expectancy of approximately 81 years. But women in the UK are faring worse than their European counterparts on major health indicators, a major new analysis has found.

Public Health England’s annual health profile report notes that UK women ranked 18th out of 28 European Union member states for premature death. UK men are doing better by comparison and are ranked 10th. And while UK male life expectancy was above the EU average in 2016 (ranked 10th), it was below average for females (ranked 17th).[15]

The September 2019 National life tables – life expectancy in the UK: 2018 to 2020, issued by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)[16], provides data about trends in period life expectancy, a measure of the average number of years people will live beyond their current age, analysed by age and sex for the UK and its constituent countries. The main points from the ONS paper are:

  • Life expectancy at birth in the UK from 2018 to 2020 was 79.0 years for males and 82.9 years for females; this represents a fall of seven weeks for males and almost no change for females (a slight increase of 0.5 weeks) from the latest non-overlapping period of 2015 to 2017.
  • Life expectancy at 65 years was 18.5 years for males and 21.0 years for females; these estimates are very similar to those for 2015 to 2017, with a slight decline of one week for males and an increase of 3.1 weeks for females.
  • Across the UK, life expectancy at birth from 2018 to 2020 was estimated to be 79.3 years for males and 83.1 years for females in England, 76.8 years for males and 81.0 years for females in Scotland, 78.3 years for males and 82.1 years for females in Wales, and 78.7 years for males and 82.4 years for females in Northern Ireland.
  • The ONS life tables cover mortality in the UK from 2018 to 2020 and are the first to include the higher mortality observed in 2020 during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
  • In the UK, the median age at death was 82.3 years for males and 85.8 years for females, and the modal (most common) age at death was 86.7 years for males and 89.3 years for females from 2018 to 2020; these show the typical ages at which death occurs and were very similar to the estimates for 2015 to 2017.

Factors contributing to differences in life expectancy in the UK include access to healthcare, socioeconomic status, and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise. Healthcare in the UK is primarily provided through a government-funded system, although there is also an ever-growing private healthcare sector.

India

Picture: “Taj Mahal” by ndj5 is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.

India, officially the Republic of India, is the seventh-largest country by area, the second-most populous country, and the most populous democracy in the world. India’s average life expectancy is approximately 69 years, which varies by region and demographic group.

Recent data[17] show a progressive increase as follows:

  • The life expectancy in 2023 is 70.42 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2022 was 70.19 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2021 was 69.96 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2020 was 69.73 years.

According to the latest World Health Organisation (WHO) data published in 2020, life expectancy in India is: 69.5 for males and 72.2 for females, and total life expectancy is 70.8, which gives India a World Life Expectancy ranking of 117. You can see the leading causes of death data and rankings for India by clicking on the links at the world life expectancy website.[18]

The introduction section[19] to a December 2021 paper published by the US National Library of Medicine says:

  • Like many other Asian nations, India began its health transition at a low life expectancy at birth (LEB) of 24.8 years[20]. At the turn of the century, the overall life expectancy in India increased to 62 years.
  • The rate of growth slowed down after the 1990s.[21] The average life expectancy of the global population in 2019 was 73.3 years[22], and the life expectancy in India in 2014–18 was 69.4 years[23].
  • Not only has India lacked behind international standards, but most neighbouring countries are also doing better than India. Based on World Development Indicators data, it is found that in the year 2019, except for Pakistan and Afghanistan, the rest of the South Asian nations have higher life expectancy compared to India[24]. Countries that started their transitions at the same time and at the same level as India have reached higher life expectancy at birth.
  • The reduction and, where possible, eradication of differentials in mortality has been a primary intention of the World Health Organisation, and it is implied in its stated goal of achieving ‘Health for all by the year 2000’[25].
  • Life expectancy in India is marked by differences among and between national populations, distinction by sex and place of residence[26]. A better understanding of the age pattern of mortality is required to formulate policy decisions and follow a target group approach to reduce mortality and improve life expectancy.

Factors contributing to differences in life expectancy in India include access to healthcare, environmental pollution, and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise. Healthcare in India is primarily provided through a mix of government-funded and private providers, although access to healthcare can be limited in some regions.

Russia
Before the revolution, annual mortality was 29.4 per 1000, and infant mortality was 260 per 1000 births. In 1915 life expectancy was only 34 years. The cholera epidemic of 1910 killed 100,000 people. A typhus epidemic between 1918 and 1922 caused 2.5 million deaths, and doctors were particularly affected.

There was an outbreak of malaria in 1920. The Institute of Tropical Medicine in Moscow instituted a programme of registration of cases and free distribution of quinine. The famine of 1921/2 caused widespread starvation. As many as 27 million people were affected. Another cholera outbreak between 1921 and 1923 caused an estimated 13 million deaths[27]. By 1926 life expectancy had reached 31 years[28].

Health in Russia deteriorated rapidly following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, particularly for men, due to social and economic changes.[29] The healthcare system in Russia has undergone significant changes since the fall of the Soviet Union, with a move towards a more market-oriented approach. However, the system continues to face challenges, including underfunding, shortages of medical staff, and disparities in access to healthcare between urban and rural areas. Russia’s average life expectancy is now approximately 72 years, although this varies widely by region and demographic group. The main factors contributing to differences in life expectancy in Russia include access to healthcare, environmental pollution, and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise.

Picture: “Snowy St. Basil’s” by christian.senger is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Healthcare in Russia is primarily provided through a government-funded system, although there is also a growing private healthcare sector.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2019, the life expectancy at birth for males in Russia was 67 years, while for females, it was 77 years, giving an overall average of 72 years. WHO notes that the leading causes of death in Russia are cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and injuries, accounting for 75% of all deaths in 2019.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted mortality in Russia, with over 700,000 confirmed deaths as of March 2023, making it one of the countries with the highest number of COVID-19 deaths worldwide.

Recent data[30] show little change in the last four years:

  • The life expectancy in 2023 is 72.98 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2022 was 72.84 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2021 was 72.70 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2020 was 72.57 years.

Brazil
According to the latest World Health Organisation (WHO) data published in 2020, life expectancy in Brazil is male 72.3 and female 79.0, with a total life expectancy of 75.6, which gives Brazil a World Life Expectancy ranking of 108. You can see the leading causes of death data and rankings for Brazil by clicking on the links at the world life expectancy website.

Factors contributing to differences in life expectancy in Brazil include access to healthcare, socioeconomic status, and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise. Healthcare in Brazil is primarily provided through a mix of government-funded and private providers, although access to healthcare can be limited in some regions.

Recent data[31] show a progressive increase as follows:

  • The life expectancy in 2023 is 75.80 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2022 was 75.63 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2021 was 75.46 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2020 was 75.29 years.

France
France is located in Western Europe and is the largest country in the European Union. France’s average life expectancy is approximately 83 years, although this varies by region and demographic group. Life expectancy is one of the highest in the world.

Factors contributing to France’s high life expectancy include access to healthcare, a healthy diet, and a culture that values physical activity and outdoor recreation. Healthcare in France is primarily provided through a government-funded system, with a mix of public and private providers.


Picture: “Paris street scene at night.” by elvis_payne is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

The National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (NISES) provides data about trends in French life expectancy. The main points are:

  • The life expectancy in 2020 was 79.2 years for men and 85.2 years for women.
  • The gap between male and female life expectancy has decreased since the 1980s.
  • There has been a gradual increase in life expectancy in France since the 1970s, with a slight decrease in recent years.

According to the latest World Health Organisation (WHO) data published in 2020, life expectancy in France is slightly different to that provided by NISES: male 79.9, female 85.6, and total life expectancy 82.8, which gives France a World Life Expectancy ranking of 14. You can see the leading causes of death data and rankings for France by clicking on the links at the world life expectancy website.

Italy
Italy has an average life expectancy of approximately 83 years, one of the highest in the world. Factors contributing to Italy’s high life expectancy include access to healthcare, a healthy diet, and a culture that values physical activity and outdoor recreation. Healthcare in Italy is primarily provided through a government-funded system, with a mix of public and private providers.

Although Italy’s average life expectancy is approximately 83 years, this varies by region and demographic group. Recent data show a progressive increase as follows:

  • The life expectancy in 2023 is 83.53 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2022 was 83.42 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2021 was 83.29 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2020 was 83.16 years.

Healthy Living

Picture: “Arco della Pace, Milan, Italia / Milan, Italy” by Paolo Margari | paolomargari.eu is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Italy is known for its generally very good health system, and the life expectancy is 80 for males and 85 for females, placing the country 5th in the world for life expectancy[32] and low infant mortality. Compared to other Western countries, Italy has a relatively low rate of adult obesity (below 10%)[33], as the Mediterranean diet has several health benefits.[34] The proportion of daily smokers was 22% in 2012, down from 24.4% in 2000 but still slightly above the OECD average.[35] Smoking in public places, including bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and offices has been restricted to specially ventilated rooms since 2005.[36]

Spain
Spain has an average life expectancy of approximately 83 years, although this varies by region and demographic group. Life expectancy is one of the highest in the world. Factors contributing to Spain’s high life expectancy include access to healthcare, a healthy diet, and a culture that values physical activity and outdoor recreation. Healthcare in Spain is primarily provided through a government-funded system, with a mix of public and private providers.

Picture: “Las Ramblas, Barcelona” by PakoGONZO is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Recent data show a progressive increase as follows:

  • The life expectancy in 2023 is 83.38 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2022 was 83.24 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2021 was 83.10 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2020 was 82.96 years.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) data published in 2020, life expectancy in Spain is: male 80.4 and female 85.2 and total life expectancy is 82.8, which gives Spain a World Life Expectancy ranking of 6.

If you want to live to 100, you should consider moving to Spain, according to an article at foreignpolicy.com[37]. In a study, Spain is set to overtake Japan as the nation with the longest life expectancy by 2040. Spain’s population has an average life expectancy of 82.9 years as of 2016, according to the study published in October 2018 by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington in Seattle. Spain topped the 2040 list ahead of Japan and Singapore, while the United States fell to 64th in the rankings, down from 43rd for 2016 life expectancy. Apparently, a Mediterranean diet is the number one reason people live longer in Spain[38].

South Korea
South Korea has an average life expectancy of 83.50 years[39], one of the highest in the world. World Health Rankings[40] placed South Korea at number three based on WHO data published in 2020. Factors contributing to South Korea’s high life expectancy include access to healthcare, a healthy diet, and a culture that values education and work-life balance. Healthcare in South Korea is primarily provided through a mix of government-funded and private providers, with a focus on preventative care and early detection of diseases. Access to healthcare can be limited in some regions.

South Korea’s average life expectancy is approximately 83 years, although this varies by region and demographic group. Recent data show a progressive increase as follows:

  • The life expectancy in 2023 is 83.92 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2022 was 83.74 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2021 was 83.56 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2020 was 83.3 years.

Australia



Picture: “Come join us down under on our Australian adventures! #Australia #frontiervolunteer #kangaroo #hoppingmad #sun #outback #downunder #wildlife #landscape #cute” by Frontierofficial is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Australia has an average life expectancy of approximately 83 years, one of the highest in the world. Factors contributing to Australia’s high life expectancy include access to healthcare, a healthy diet, and a culture that values physical activity and outdoor recreation. Healthcare in Australia is primarily provided through a government-funded system with a mix of public and private providers.

Life expectancy varies by region and demographic group. Recent data show a progressive increase as follows:

  • The life expectancy in 2023 is 83.46 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2022 was 83.28 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2021 was 83.07 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2020 was 82.87 years.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) data published in 2020, life expectancy in Australia is: male 80.7 and female 84.8, and the total life expectancy is 82.7, which gives Australia a World Life Expectancy ranking of 8.

Factors contributing to differences in life expectancy in Australia include access to healthcare, environmental pollution, and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise. Healthcare in Australia is primarily provided through a government-funded system, although there is also a growing private healthcare sector.

Mexico
Mexico’s average life expectancy is approximately 76 years, although this varies by region and demographic group. Some factors that contribute to differences in life expectancy in Mexico include access to healthcare, environmental pollution, and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise. Healthcare in Mexico is primarily provided through a mix of government-funded and private providers, although access to healthcare can be limited in some regions.

Mexican Band
Picture: “Mexican Band” by Dave Hamster is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Recent data show a progressive increase as follows:

  • The life expectancy in 2023 is 76.63 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2022 was 76.42 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2021 was 76.20 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2020 was 75.98 years.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) data published in 2020, life expectancy in Mexico is: male 73.3 and female 78.6, and total life expectancy is 76.0, which gives Mexico a World Life Expectancy ranking of 91.

Indonesia
Indonesia is the world’s fourth-most populous country and the largest country in Southeast Asia. Indonesia’s average life expectancy is approximately 71 years, which varies widely by region and demographic group. Factors contributing to differences in life expectancy in Indonesia include access to healthcare, environmental pollution, and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise.

Healthcare in Indonesia is primarily provided through a mix of government-funded and private providers, although access to healthcare can be limited in some regions.

According to the latest World Health Organisation (WHO) data published in 2020, the life expectancy in Indonesia is: Male 68.5, female 73.1, and an average life expectancy is 70.8, which gives Indonesia a World Life Expectancy ranking of 117. You can see the leading causes of death data and rankings for Indonesia by clicking on the links at the world life expectancy website.

Recent data show a progressive increase in life expectancy as follows:

  • The life expectancy in 2023 is 71.42 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2022 was 71.25 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2021 was 71.02 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2020 was 70.79 years.

In recent decades, Indonesia has made significant progress in improving public health, including reducing infant and maternal mortality rates and increasing life expectancy. The life expectancy of Indonesians between 1990 and 2016 increased by approximately eight years, but provincial disparities in life expectancy persisted, for example, in eastern provinces, life expectancies are considerably lower compared to provinces in Java, Sumatra and Bali[41]. Life expectancy disparities have become a public health policy challenge.[42]

There is still much work to be done, particularly in addressing the disparities in health outcomes between different regions and population groups in the country.

Netherlands
The Netherlands has an average life expectancy of approximately 81 years. Factors contributing to differences in life expectancy in the Netherlands include access to healthcare, a healthy diet, and a culture that values physical activity and outdoor recreation. Healthcare in the Netherlands is primarily provided through a government-funded system, with a mix of public and private providers. The Netherlands’ average life expectancy varies by region and demographic group.

Picture: “Dutch Tulips, Keukenhof Gardens, Netherlands – 3928” by HereIsTom is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Recent data show a progressive increase as follows:

  • The life expectancy in 2023 is 81.42 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2022 was 81.27 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2021 was 81.12 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2020 was 80.98 years.

People may live longer (in some countries, more so than others), but do they grow old in good health? Healthy life expectancy refers to the projected number of healthy life years without being hindered by health problems in one’s day-to-day activities. Both Dutch men and women report health problems are suffered relatively often, but (young) women more so. Healthy life expectancy (at birth) among Dutch women is 57.8 years, well below the EU average of 64.2 years. Healthy life expectancy among European women ranges from 54.9 (Latvia) to 73.3 years (Sweden).[43]

Canada
Canada has ten provinces and three territories extending from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering over 9.98 million square kilometres, making it the world’s second-largest country by total area.

Picture: “Snow Boarding in Fernie, Canada” by cb6379 is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Canada’s average life expectancy is approximately 82 years, although this varies by region and demographic group. Factors contributing to differences in life expectancy in Canada include access to healthcare, environmental pollution, and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise. Healthcare in Canada is primarily provided through a government-funded system with a focus on providing universal access to care, although there is also a growing private healthcare sector.

Compared to the life expectancy 100 years ago, the average Canadian born today will live 25 years longer. However, the life expectancy rate has slowed or remained flat in recent years, seeing nil to only small gains each year. The statistics do not recount the full story about how life expectancy differs regionally or demographically. It is important to note that there are disparities in life expectancy based on a person’s lifestyle, gender, or even which part of Canada a person lives in.[44]

Recent data show a progressive increase as follows:

  • The life expectancy in 2023 is 82.61 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2022 was 82.50 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2021 was 82.36 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2020 was 82.23 years.

Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s average life expectancy is nearly 76 years, although this varies by region and demographic group. Factors contributing to differences in life expectancy in Saudi Arabia include access to healthcare, socioeconomic status, and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise. Healthcare in Saudi Arabia is provided primarily through a government-funded system, with access to healthcare services varying by region. There is also a growing private healthcare sector.

In April 2016, Saudi Arabia launched a very bold vision, Vision 2030, which outlined the future goals for the country, the justification for the goals and the structures that were being put in place for their achievement. Vision 2030 has been widely praised for its boldness and far-sightedness. While the primary goal is the diversification of the Saudi Arabian economy from being an oil-based economy to one not based on oil, the vision’s ultimate goal is to make Saudi Arabia better in all spheres, including the health and social well-being of the citizens. The aim is to increase life expectancy by 2030 at birth by six years, from 74 to 80 years, an average gain of 0.43 years per annum. Remarkable improvements have already been made in health and human development.[45]

Recent data show a progressive increase as follows:

  • The life expectancy in 2023 is 75.75 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2022 was 75.58 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2021 was 75.41 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2020 was 75.24 years.

Egypt

Picture: “Egyptian Pyramids in the Sunset” by Club Med – Discover a New World is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.

Egypt’s average life expectancy is approximately 73 years, although this varies by region and demographic group. Factors contributing to differences in life expectancy in Egypt include access to healthcare, environmental pollution, and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise. Healthcare in Egypt is primarily provided through a mix of government-funded and private providers, although access to healthcare can be limited in some regions.

According to the latest WHO data published in 2020, life expectancy in Egypt is: Male 69.6, female 74.1 and total life expectancy is 71.8, giving Egypt a World Life Expectancy ranking of 112.[46]

Recent data show a progressive increase as follows:

  • The life expectancy in 2023 is 73.64 years, although according to official data by the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS), it rose from 73.9 years in 2019 to 74.3 years in 2021 (73.4 years for males and 75.9 for females).
  • The life expectancy in 2022 was 73.39 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2021 was 73.06 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2020 was 72.73 years.

Vietnam

Picture: “Vietnam” by Rush Murad is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

Vietnam, officially known as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is the 15th most populous country in the world.

Vietnam has an average life expectancy of approximately 75 years, although this varies by region and demographic group. Factors contributing to differences in life expectancy in Vietnam include access to healthcare, environmental pollution, and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise. Healthcare in Vietnam is primarily provided through a mix of government-funded and private providers. The Vietnamese government is working to improve access to healthcare services, particularly in rural areas. In Vietnam, the leading causes of death include cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and respiratory diseases.

In recent years, Vietnam has made progress in improving access to healthcare services, increasing education levels, and reducing poverty rates, which may help improve overall health outcomes.

Recent data show a progressive increase in life expectancy in Vietnam as follows:

  • The life expectancy in 2023 is 75.72 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2022 was 75.50 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2021 was 75.22 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2020 was 74.94.

Thailand

Picture: “Thailand guard” by @Doug88888 is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

Thailand’s average life expectancy is approximately 76 years, although this varies by region and demographic group. Factors contributing to differences in life expectancy in Thailand include access to healthcare, environmental pollution, and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise. Healthcare in Thailand is primarily provided through a mix of government-funded and private providers, although access to healthcare can be limited in some regions.

Recent data show a progressive increase as follows:

  • The life expectancy in 2023 is 75.98 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2022 was 75.78 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2021 was 75.53 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2020 was 75.28 years.

There has been an increase in the longevity of the lives of Thai people over the past three decades, with men living six and a half years longer and women eight years more than in the 1980s, according to the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC). The latest census in 2018 showed that, on average, Thai men live to 72.2 years, compared to 65.6 in the 1980s, while Thai women on average live to 78.9 years, compared to 70.9 in the 1980s, the NESDC said. However, the average period of enjoying good health is much less – 68 years for Thai men and 74 years for Thai women.[47]

Poland
Poland has an average life expectancy of approximately 77 years, although this varies by region and demographic group. Factors contributing to differences in life expectancy in Poland include access to healthcare, environmental pollution, and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise. Healthcare in Poland is primarily provided through a mix of government-funded and private providers, with a focus on preventative care and early detection of diseases.

Recent data show a progressive increase as follows:

  • The life expectancy in 2023 is 76.82 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2022 was 76.72 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2021 was 76.59 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2020 was 76.46 years.

According to the latest WHO data published in 2020, life expectancy in Poland is male 74.5, female 81.9, and a total life expectancy of 78.3, giving Poland a World Life Expectancy ranking of 42.[48]

Sweden
Sweden has an average life expectancy of approximately 83 years, one of the highest in the world. Factors contributing to differences in life expectancy in Sweden include access to healthcare, socioeconomic status, and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise. Healthcare in Sweden is primarily provided through a government-funded system with a focus on preventative care and early detection of diseases.

Sweden has an average life expectancy of approximately 83 years, one of the highest in the world, although this varies by region and demographic group.

Recent data show a progressive increase as follows:

  • The life expectancy in 2023 is 83.20 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2022 was 83.06 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2021 was 82.92 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2020 was 82.78 years.

Argentina

Picture: “Argentina” by ducamendes is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

The life expectancy in Argentina’s average life expectancy is approximately 76 years, although this varies by region and demographic group. Factors contributing to differences in life expectancy in Argentina include access to healthcare, environmental pollution, and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise. Healthcare in Argentina is primarily provided through a mix of government-funded and private providers, although access to healthcare can be limited in some regions.

Recent data show a progressive increase as follows:

  • The life expectancy in 2023 is 76.92 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2022 was 76.72 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2021 was 76.46 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2020 was 76.20 years.

Life expectancy at birth, total (years) in Argentina, was reported at 75.89 years in 2020, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators compiled from officially recognised sources. The data was sourced from the World Bank in March 2023.[49]

Denmark
Denmark has an average life expectancy of approximately 81 years. Factors contributing to differences in life expectancy in Denmark include access to healthcare, environmental pollution, and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise. Healthcare in Denmark is primarily provided through a government-funded system.

Healthcare in Denmark is provided primarily through a government-funded system, with a focus on preventative care and early detection of diseases.

Recent data show a progressive increase as follows:

  • The life expectancy in 2023 is 81.33 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2022 was 81.21 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2021 was 81.09 years.
  • The life expectancy in 2020 was 80.97 years.

Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania)

Picture: “Map of the Baltic States” by jimmyharris is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

The Baltic States, comprising Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, have average life expectancies of approximately 75-77 years, but there are variations between the three countries and within their regions and demographic groups. Healthcare in the Baltic States is provided primarily through a mix of government-funded and private providers, although access to healthcare can be limited in some regions. These figures have been increasing steadily over the years.

Factors contributing to differences in life expectancy in the Baltic States include access to healthcare, lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption, and environmental pollution.

Regarding demographic changes, the Baltic States have seen a declining population due to low birth rates and emigration. This has resulted in an ageing population, with a rising number of people over the age of 65. This demographic shift poses challenges for the economy and social services. Despite these challenges, the Baltic States have significantly improved their healthcare systems and promoted healthy lifestyles. There have also been efforts to reduce smoking rates and alcohol consumption and initiatives to improve access to healthcare in remote areas. Additionally, the Baltic States have seen economic growth and increasing investment in healthcare, which has contributed to improving life expectancy.

word-image-3687-24
Picture Credit: Trakai Island Castle, Lithuania – the former residence of the Grand Dukes and capital city of the medieval state
Attribution: BigHead, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0&gt;, via Wikimedia Commons
Page URL: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Traku_pilis_by_Augustas_Didzgalvis.jpg

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

Late Update
I spotted an article in The Telegraph[50] about life expectancy in the UK. Whilst we live longer, life expectancy has grown slower than in comparable countries over the past seven decades, according to a new study published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine[51]. The survey found that the UK lags behind all other countries in the group of G7 advanced economies, except for the US.

The researchers said this was partly due to income inequality, which rose considerably in the UK during and after the 1980s. In the 1950s, the UK had one of the longest life expectancies in the world, ranking seventh globally behind countries such as Denmark, Norway and Sweden – by 2021, the UK was ranked 29th.

Between 2018 and 2020 average life expectancy at birth in the UK was 79 years for men and 82.9 years for women, according to the ONS. However, since 2011 increases in life expectancy have slowed after decades of steady improvement, prompting much debate about the causes. And there is a fear that, while we are living longer, we’re not necessarily mean we are living better or healthily – spending many years in poor health, unnecessarily.

Sources and Further Reading

Books

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End Notes and Explanations
  1. Source: Compiled from research using information at the sources stated throughout the text, together with information provided by machine-generated artificial intelligence at: bing.com [chat] and https://chat.openai.com ↑
  2. Source: Vaclav Smil, How the World Really Works, page(s): 137-140, published by Penguin Random House LLC, © Copyright 2022 by Vaclav Smil ↑
  3. Source: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2022/20220831.htm ↑
  4. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2022/20220831.htm ↑
  5. Includes information from: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) – China Life expectancy at birth, total (years) – China: ( 1 ) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects: 2022 Revision, or derived from male and female life expectancy at birth from sources such as: ( 2 ) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, ( 3 ) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, ( 4 ) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Reprot ( various years ), ( 5 ) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database, and ( 6 ) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme. License : CC BY-4.0 . https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.LE00.IN?locations=CN ↑
  6. Source: “Life expectancy at birth, total (years) – China”. World Bank, at: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.LE00.IN?locations=CN. Cited at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China ↑
  7. Source: https://www.macrotrends.net/countries/CHN/china/life-expectancy ↑
  8. Source: “Mortality rate, infant (per 1,000 live births) – China”. World Bank.Cited at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China ↑
  9. Note:  The national life expectancy at birth in China rose from about 31 years in 1949 to 75 years in 2008,(reference: Life expectancy increases by 44 years from 1949 in China’s economic powerhouse Guangdong”. People’s Daily. 4 October 2009), and infant mortality decreased from 300 per thousand in the 1950s to around 33 per thousand in 2001 [reference “China’s Infant Mortality Rate Down”. 11 September 2001. China.org.cn], Cited at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China ↑
  10. Source: McGregor, Richard (2 July 2007). “750,000 a year killed by Chinese pollution”. Financial Times. Cited at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China ↑
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  12. Sources: (1) “Serving the people?”. 1999. Bruce Kennedy. CNN. Retrieved 17 April 2006, and (2) “Obesity Sickening China’s Young Hearts”. 4 August 2000. People’s Daily. Cited at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China ↑
  13. Source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/263726/life-expectancy-in-china/ ↑
  14. Source: https://www.worldlifeexpectancy.com/germany-life-expectancy ↑
  15. Source: https://www.bmj.com/content/362/bmj.k3871.full ↑
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  18. Source: https://www.worldlifeexpectancy.com/india-life-expectancy ↑
  19. Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8638908/ ↑
  20. At: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8638908/#pone.0260657.ref001 ↑
  21. Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8638908/#pone.0260657.ref002 ↑
  22. Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8638908/#pone.0260657.ref003 ↑
  23. Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8638908/#pone.0260657.ref004 ↑
  24. Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8638908/#pone.0260657.ref005 ↑
  25. Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8638908/#pone.0260657.ref006 ↑
  26. See Figure 1 at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8638908/figure/pone.0260657.g001/ ↑
  27. Source: Khwaja, Barbara (2017). Health Reform in Revolutionary Russia. Cited at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_in_Russia ↑
  28. Source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1041395/life-expectancy-russia-all-time/ Cited at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_in_Russia ↑
  29. Source:  Leonard, William R (April 2002). “Declining growth status of indigenous Siberian children in post-Soviet Russia”. Human Biology. Cited at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_in_Russia ↑
  30. Source: https://www.macrotrends.net/countries/RUS/russia/life-expectancy ↑
  31. Source: https://www.macrotrends.net/countries/RUS/brazil/life-expectancy ↑
  32. Source: “World Health Statistics 2016: Monitoring health for the SDGs Annex B: tables of health statistics by country, WHO region and globally”. World Health Organization. 2016. Cited at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_in_Italy ↑
  33. Source: “Global Prevalence of Adult Obesity” (PDF). International Obesity Taskforce. Cited at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_in_Italy ↑
  34. Source: Dinu, M; Pagliai, G; Casini, A; Sofi, F (10 May 2017). “Mediterranean diet and multiple health outcomes: an umbrella review of meta-analyses of observational studies and randomised trials”. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 72 (1): 30–43.doi:10.1038/ejcn.2017.58. hdl:2158/1081996. PMID 28488692. S2CID 7702206. Cited at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_in_Italy ↑
  35. Source: “OECD Health Statistics 2014 How Does Italy Compare?” (PDF). OECD. 2014. Cited at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_in_Italy ↑
  36. Source: “Smoking Ban Begins in Italy | Europe | DW.COM | 10 January 2005“. Deutsche Welle. Cited at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_in_Italy ↑
  37. Source: https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/07/04/spains-formula-to-live-forever/ ↑
  38. Source: https://www.ageinspain.org/post/seven-reasons-why-people-live-longer-in-spain ↑
  39. Source: https://www.macrotrends.net/countries/KOR/south-korea/life-expectancy ↑
  40. Source: https://www.worldlifeexpectancy.com/south-korea-life-expectancy ↑
  41. Sources: (1) Ministry of Health of Indonesia. Provincial Health Database. Profil Kesehatan Indonesia. Ministry of Health; 2016. Available from: http://www.bankdata.depkes.go.id/nasional/public/report/, and (2) Cao J, Rammohan A. Social capital and healthy ageing in Indonesia. BMC Public Health. 2016;16(1):1–14 Available from: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-016-3257-9. Cited at: https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-020-8408-3 ↑
  42. Source: https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-020-8408-3 ↑
  43. Source: https://longreads.cbs.nl/european-scale-2019/life-expectancy/ ↑
  44. Source: https://www.cpp.ca/blog/what-is-the-life-expectancy-in-canada/ ↑
  45. Source and further reading: http://www.emro.who.int/emhj-volume-24-2018/volume-24-issue-4/how-feasible-is-the-life-expectancy-target-in-the-saudi-arabian-vision-for-2030.html ↑
  46. Source: https://www.worldlifeexpectancy.com/ ↑
  47. Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40024770 ↑
  48. Source: https://www.worldlifeexpectancy.com/poland-life-expectancy ↑
  49. Source: https://tradingeconomics.com/argentina/life-expectancy-at-birth-total-years-wb-data.html ↑
  50. Source: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/body/nine-things-do-right-now-healthy-life-age-100/ on 16th March 2023. ↑
  51. Source: https://www.rsm.ac.uk/media-releases/2023/new-global-ranking-for-life-expectancy-shows-decades-long-uk-decline/ ↑

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Martin Pollins

Martin Pollins is a Chartered Accountant and MBA with wide experience in corporate finance and business management. He has served on the boards of several companies, including those listed on the London Stock Exchange, AIM and OFEX. He is the Chairman and Founder of OneSmartPlace and was a Council member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales from 1988 to 1996. He was managing partner of PRB Martin Pollins, based in Sussex, the first Accountancy firm to advertise on British television. He went on to create and launch the CharterGroup Partnership (the UK’s first Accountancy network) and then LawGroup UK (at the time, one of the largest networks of lawyers in the UK). In recent years, he helped to raise several £millions to fund British films such as The Da Vinci Code, Bridge of San Luis Rey, Head in the Clouds and Merchant of Venice with actors such as Charlize Theron, Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, F. Murray Abraham. Kathy Bates, Gabriel Byrne, Geraldine Chaplin, Tom Hanks, Ian McKellen, Audrey Tautou, Penélope Cruz, Steven Berkoff, Lynn Collins, Jeremy Irons, Joseph Fiennes and many more. He has written several business publications (see https://onesmartplace.com/resources/)

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