Twice as long – Life expectancy around the world

Abstract

Over the last two centuries, global life expectancy has doubled due undoubtedly to advances in societal living conditions, healthcare, and reduced child mortality. In the early 19th century, no country reported a life expectancy exceeding 40 years, an attribute primarily due to extreme poverty and lack of medical knowledge. Remarkable progress was then observed over the next 150 years, particularly significant in Europe, North America, Oceania, Japan, and parts of South America where life expectancy for newborns had exceeded 60 years by 1950. However, stark global inequality was evident as places like Africa presented an average life expectancy of just 36 years. By 2019, the average global life expectancy had reached 72.6 years – higher than any country back in 1950. The changes reflect considerable progress in regions that were severely lacking in the mid-20th century. The extended global life expectancy ensures individuals now live more than twice as long as their ancestors did two centuries ago, signifying the remarkable global progress made. The current disparities serve as a reminder of areas for improvement. – AI-generated abstract.