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2h ago

Global Life Expectancy Rebounds as Study Warns of Rising Youth Mortality

Researchers say nearly half of the world’s deaths and disability could be averted by tackling modifiable risks.

In 2023, life expectancy was 76.3 years for women and 71.5 years for men, according to new analyses.
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Calgary resident Heather Evans knows the grim toll of heart disease. She's experiencing heart failure at the age of 61, and has already lost five siblings. New research shows heart disease is the top global killer, alongside other chronic conditions that researchers say deserve renewed attention.

Overview

  • The Lancet’s Global Burden of Disease 2023 analysis reports life expectancy in 2023 returned to 76.3 years for women and 71.5 for men after the pandemic dip.
  • Adolescent and young-adult deaths have risen in several regions, with Eastern Europe recording increases of 54% for ages 15–19 and 40% for ages 20–24 since 2011, tied to HIV, self-harm, violence and conflict.
  • In high-income North America, mortality climbed most for ages 20–39 over the past decade, driven by suicide, drug overdoses and heavy alcohol use.
  • Non-communicable diseases now make up about two-thirds of global mortality and morbidity, with ischemic heart disease and stroke leading as COVID-19 fell to the 20th leading cause of death in 2023.
  • Anxiety and depression burdens have surged, and researchers warn that cuts to international aid and weak health systems risk widening inequities, especially in low-resource settings.