Global Life Expectancy Rises, Yet Inequities Persist
In a significant finding published in the journal The Lancet, researchers from the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) revealed that humans are now living an average of 20 years longer than in 1950. This study analyzed mortality data from 204 countries and territories, showcasing a consistent decline in death rates across the globe. However, the research also highlights alarming inequities, particularly concerning adolescent and young adult mortality rates, which are reportedly on the rise.
Life Expectancy Trends in 2023
As of 2023, life expectancy has reached 76.3 years for women and 71.5 years for men, marking a return to pre-pandemic levels after a decline during the COVID-19 crisis. The study notes a dramatic shift in global health trends, with COVID-19 dropping from the leading cause of death in 2021 to the 20th position in 2023. Heart disease and stroke have resumed their status as the primary causes of mortality worldwide.
Shifting Disease Landscape
The data reveals a marked transition in causes of death, moving away from infectious diseases. IHME reports significant declines in deaths from conditions like measles, diarrhea, and tuberculosis. However, the burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs)—which include heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease—has surged, now accounting for about two-thirds of global mortality. Despite a decrease in mortality rates for heart disease and stroke since 1990, rates have increased for diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease, showcasing new health challenges.
Dr. Christopher Murray, IHME Director, emphasized the seriousness of these findings, stating, “The rapid growth in the world’s aging population and evolving risk factors have ushered in a new era of global health challenges.”
Prevention and Risk Factors
Importantly, the research indicates that about half of the global disease burden is preventable. The leading risk factors contributing to this burden include:
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Obesity
From 2010 to 2023, the burden of diseases related to high body mass index (BMI) increased by 11%, and high blood sugar contributed to a 6% rise. Additionally, environmental hazards, such as air pollution and lead exposure, and health issues related to newborns significantly impact global health.
Emerging Crisis Among Youth
One of the most concerning findings focuses on the rising death rates among adolescents and young adults. In high-income North America, deaths among individuals aged 20 to 39 have notably increased, primarily due to suicide, drug overdoses, and alcohol-related issues. Furthermore, regions like Eastern Europe, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Caribbean have reported increased mortality among children and adolescents, attributed largely to infectious diseases and unintentional injuries.
Among children aged 5 to 14, iron deficiency was identified as the leading health risk, while unsafe water and malnutrition also posed significant dangers. For those aged 15 to 49, unsafe sex and occupational injuries topped the list of risks, followed closely by high BMI and smoking.
Global Disparities
The disparity in life expectancy globally is striking, with an average of 83 years in high-income regions contrasted sharply with just 62 years in sub-Saharan Africa. IHME stresses the urgent need for health policy reforms to address these inequities, especially for vulnerable groups like adolescents and young adults.
Emmanuela Gakidou, senior author of the study, warned that “decades of work to close the gap in low-income regions with persistent health inequities are in danger of unraveling due to the recent cuts to international aid.”
These findings underscore the critical need for governments and health leaders worldwide to respond strategically to the shifting landscape of public health. The research presents a clear call to action, advocating for enhanced health resources and prioritizing the needs of the most affected populations.