Global Life Expectancy Returns to Pre-Covid Levels - Life Expectancy Soars, But Youth Suicide and Substance Abuse Pose Concern
Life expectancy has seen a remarkable global increase since 1950, with women and men both gaining over 20 years. However, recent trends show concerning rises in mortality rates among adolescents and young adults in the Americas due to suicide and substance abuse. In Germany, high blood pressure, smoking, and obesity pose significant health risks.
Despite the overall positive trend, life expectancy varies greatly worldwide, ranging from around 83 years in high-income nations to about 62 years in sub-Saharan African countries. In Germany, women's life expectancy has risen from 78.62 years in 1990 to 83.37 years in 2023, and men's from 72.14 years to 78.51 years. The DALY rate, measuring the impact of diseases and injuries, has decreased by 36% since 1990.
The top seven risk factors contributing to health losses in 2023 are high blood pressure, fine dust pollution, smoking, high blood sugar, low birth weight and short pregnancy, high body mass index, and high LDL cholesterol. After being the leading cause of death in 2021, Covid-19 now ranks 20th, with ischemic heart diseases, stroke, and COPD taking the top spots.
While life expectancy continues to rise globally, with men predicted to gain an average of 4.9 years and women 4.2 years by 2050, the increase in adolescent and young adult mortality rates in the Americas due to suicide and substance abuse is a pressing concern. Addressing these issues and managing the leading health risks will be crucial for maintaining and improving life expectancy.
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