How Life Expectancy of an Average Person Has Changed Over Years?

The human population is an essential resource of any nation. And each person, including you, are a part of this. It is because you possess skills and talent to carry out various activities (economic and non-economic) that have the potential to contribute to the growth and development of the economy.

However, a crucial aspect of the human population, which indicates the actual value and contribution of such a resource to the country is their health. Yes, it is a health condition of an individual that has a bearing on many related factors. One such factor is the average life expectancy of the population.  

What is Average life expectancy?

Average Life Expectancy refers to the average age to which a person is likely to live. High average life expectancy is a positive sign, indicating that you will be able to lead a longer life. This is generally due to improved living conditions, better sanitation, hygiene, and nutrition, along with better and more affordable healthcare facilities.

Looking at the scenario in India, life expectancy has seen a gradual increase from the post-independence era until the present.

Here’s a look at how life expectancy has changed over the years-

Source: https://www.worldlifeexpectancy.com/country-health-profile/india

(Image Source: Shutterstock)

The most recent report from another source shows that as of 2019, Indians enjoy a life expectancy of about 69.8 years. This indicates that there has been an increase of approximately 27.5 years in the life of an Indian. A positive sign, this shows that every Indian born in 2019 is expected to remain alive for a longer period as compared to those born in earlier years. Life expectancy is a health index, which throws light on important aspects like availability and affordability of health facilities, standards of nutrition, hygiene, and sanitation.   

Source: http://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/life-expectancy-by-country/

Factors Behind Increase in Average Life Expectancy

Since health and life expectancy are not independent factors, therefore, there are various factors behind this positive change. Some of the factors are-

1. Better Immunization and Nutrition- In today’s day and age, there is the availability of wide-ranging vaccines and nutritional supplements that support you to fight various diseases and deficiencies. This has helped you in leading a much healthier life, than what was possible a few decades back.

2. Better Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Diseases- Due to advancements in the field of science, better medication and procedures have been introduced in the healthcare industry over the years. This has made treatment and cure of even life-threatening diseases possible. This is a major factor contributing to increased survival rate and thus, life expectancy.  

3. Better Life Insurance Coverage- Also, since the treatment of major health challenges is expensive for an average Indian. Therefore, expanding life insurance cover over the years has proven to be of great support to many families. In earlier times, such coverage wasn’t readily available to families, because of which they were unable to obtain timely and quality treatment for their loved ones.  

All these factors together have helped improve the healthcare scenario in the country, thereby leading to increased average life expectancy.

Reasons to Worry-

Owing to better medical facilities and healthcare centers, life expectancy in the country has gone up considerably. However, there are still many reasons to worry. Some of the reasons are as follows-

1. Increase in India’s share in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD)

Over the years, due to lifestyle changes, India has considerably seen a health transition, meaning that non-communicable diseases have also become a significant cause of death now. According to data shared by WHO in 2017), 61% of deaths in India are due to NCDs such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

The NCDs include a range of health conditions such as-

i.) Coronary Diseases - Heart Strokes, Arterial blockage and Coronary Artery Disease(CAD)
 

ii.) Pulmonary Diseases – Lung Cancer, Tuberculosis, Respiratory Failure and Pneumonia
 

iii.) Cancers of all Kinds
 

iv.) Diabetes
 

v.) Mental Disorders – Schizophrenia, Depression, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
 

Doctors say that the rise in such diseases is due to the increasing consumption of alcohol and tobacco and change in lifestyle. Such conditions have a direct impact on the life expectancy of an individual. Moreover, the cost of treatment of such health problems is also very high in India,  indicating the need to secure yourself against these.  

2. Chronic Illnesses on the Rise

Indian population also grapples with the challenges of facing chronic illnesses like hypertension, diabetes, asthma, etc. that are also becoming leading causes of death among you.

Increasing Need to Stay Secure

Along with reasons to rejoice over increased life expectancy, the growing risk of other health challenges requires you to secure yourself. Since such diseases have become common, and the cost of necessary treatment for them is still expensive, it is advisable that you purchase life insurance to keep yourself covered. Having a life insurance policy means that even if your loved ones or you face such an illness, you will able to deal with the financial burden accompanying them.

So, be wise and secure your loved ones and yourself, without second thoughts.

ARN:- JuneBG/F/24