Global Life Expectancy Rebounds to Pre-Pandemic Levels in 2023 with Mixed Trends in Youth Mortality
Global life expectancy in 2023 recovers to pre-pandemic levels with Germany showing gains, though rising youth mortality in some regions raises concerns.
- • Global life expectancy reached 76.3 years for women and 71.5 years for men in 2023.
- • Germany's life expectancy increased to 83.37 years for women and 78.51 years for men.
- • Leading deaths in Germany include heart disease, stroke, and COPD; COVID-19 dropped to 20th place.
- • Rising mortality among adolescents in North America and sub-Saharan Africa is linked to suicide, drug overdoses, and pregnancy complications.
- • Researchers warn that cuts to international health aid threaten progress in health equity.
Key details
Global life expectancy has returned to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels in 2023, reaching 76.3 years for women and 71.5 years for men, according to the latest comprehensive study published in The Lancet and presented by Christopher Murray's team at the University of Washington. This extensive analysis leveraged over 310,000 data sources covering 204 countries and territories. Since 1950, life expectancy has seen remarkable gains, climbing from 51.2 to 76.3 years for women and from 47.9 to 71.5 years for men. Projections forecast additional increases by 2050, with men potentially gaining 4.9 years and women 4.2 years more on average.
In Germany specifically, life expectancy rose from 78.62 years for women in 1990 to 83.37 years in 2023, while men’s expectancy grew from 72.14 to 78.51 years. Major health risks contributing to early mortality in Germany remain high blood pressure, smoking, and obesity, with ischemic heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease constituting the leading causes of death. Notably, deaths attributed to COVID-19 dropped to the 20th position in 2023.
Despite overall positive developments, the study highlighted concerning rises in mortality among adolescents and young adults in some regions. In North America, suicide and drug overdoses have increased deaths particularly in the 20 to 39 age group. Additionally, mortality rates for young women in sub-Saharan Africa have risen due to pregnancy complications and respiratory infections. Globally, causes of death are shifting from infectious diseases to non-communicable diseases.
Environmental and lifestyle factors continue to pose significant threats worldwide, including air pollution and high temperatures, alongside behaviors such as tobacco and alcohol use. The researchers also cautioned that reductions in international health aid risk reversing decades of health progress, especially for low-income countries dependent on global financing for essential services.
A 36% decrease in disability-adjusted life years between 1990 and 2023 confirms overall health gains, yet disparities persist. Emmanuela Gakidou from the research team specifically warned about the impact of funding cuts on health equality.
In summary, while global and German life expectancies recover to pre-pandemic heights backed by improved health measures, emerging challenges in youth mortality and health risks emphasize the need for sustained investment and targeted interventions.