By 2050, worldwide life expectancy is expected to rise.
The average lifespan varies significantly depending on the region and an international research team is currently analyzing worldwide data to predict future life expectancies, including for Germany.
Globally, the researchers forecast that life expectancy will increase significantly until 2050, with men anticipated to gain 4.9 more years and women gaining 4.2 years. The overall global average life expectancy is expected to rise from 73.6 years in 2022 to 78.2 years halfway through the century. However, the rate of increase has slowed down compared to previous decades, the experts noted.
This latest data comes from the "Global Burden of Disease" study series and includes not only health information but also details about economic development and education levels.
Life expectancy is expected to increase most significantly in regions where it is currently lowest, due to public health measures that have significantly improved survival rates for heart-related conditions, Covid and various other diseases.
In a statement, study leader Chris Murray from the US-based Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (INHE) in Seattle, commented that global inequalities in health between wealthier and poorer regions are still present but are narrowing. The countries that will experience the greatest increases in life expectancy are expected to be in sub-Saharan Africa.
The study also estimated that the average number of years a person spends in good health will only increase moderately, from 64.8 years in 2022 to 67.4 years in 2050. This suggests that while people will live longer, they will also have more years of poor health.
When it comes to Germany, the study projects modest increases in life expectancy. For women, life expectancy will increase from 83.8 years in 2022 to 85.0 years in 2050, while for men it will rise from 79.2 to 81.6 years.
"We have a unique chance to improve the health of people globally by combating the growing health risks related to metabolism and nutrition, particularly those arising from behavioural and lifestyle factors such as high blood sugar, high body mass index and high blood pressure," stated Murray in the same statement.
The study revealed that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, lung disease (COPD) and diabetes are becoming more prevalent worldwide, surpassing the number of people affected by so-called CMNN diseases which include infectious diseases and maternal and infant mortality.
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The "Global Burden of Disease" study highlights the importance of education in improving health outcomes, as regions with higher education levels often have lower rates of non-communicable diseases. As seniors continue to live longer, the need for tailored education programs about health and wellness becomes even more crucial for both women and men.
The increasing life expectancy also brings attention to the importance of maintaining health throughout all stages of life, especially among seniors. Providing accessible health services and resources for both men and women in their golden years can significantly improve their overall health and well-being.
Source: www.ntv.de
