Study shows drop in life expectancy in the Gaza Strip
Life expectancy in the Gaza Strip has dropped from 75.5 years to 40.5 years between October 2023 and September 2024, a decline of -46.3%.
Life Expectancy
Articles tagged with Life Expectancy
Adults diagnosed with ADHD may have reduced life expectancies
A new study by University College London researchers has found that adults diagnosed with ADHD may be living shorter lives than they should. The research analyzed data from over 30,000 adults with ADHD and compared it to a group of 300,390 participants without the condition.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateJan 23, 2025
US college graduates live an average of 11 years longer than those who never finish high school
College graduates outlive those without a high school diploma by 11 years, while some college education increases life expectancy by 0.7 years. Lifespan varies significantly across counties, with the most educated living up to 36 years longer than the least educated.
SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateJan 23, 2025
A ‘smoke-free generation’ in Canada? New analysis says it would result in vast health gains, healthcare cost savings
A new analysis suggests that implementing a lifetime ban on tobacco products for individuals born after 2009 would result in vast health benefits and healthcare cost savings. The study estimates $2.3 billion less in healthcare costs and 476,814 more quality-adjusted life years for Canadians over a 50-year timespan.
SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalHealth Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 15, 2025
Some combinations of long-term health conditions linked to worse quality of life
A large UK-wide study has identified specific clusters of long-term health conditions associated with lower quality of life, particularly those linked to chronic pain, depression, and cardiovascular disease. The findings highlight the need for tailored treatment approaches for patients with multiple long-term health conditions.
‘Sandwich carers’ experience decline in mental and physical health
A new study by UCL researchers has found that people who care for both their children and older family members – known as 'sandwich carers' – experience a significant decline in both mental and physical health. The study, which analysed data from around 2,000 sandwich carers, highlights the need for better support and resources to help...
Developmental disorder discovery could lead to better treatments for Rett syndrome
Researchers have identified molecular changes that occur long before symptoms appear, shedding light on the development of Rett syndrome. These findings hold promise for developing safe gene therapies and monitoring biomarkers to track MECP2 gene function.
As wildfires intensify, prolonged exposure to pollution linked to premature death
Researchers at Ohio State University found that prolonged exposure to wildfire pollution can decrease life expectancy by about one week. Living in green neighborhoods with more extensive greenspaces can be beneficial for health, but even small increases can lead to slight life expectancy gains.
The global divide between longer life and good health
A Mayo Clinic study found a widening global gap between lifespan and healthspan, with the US and women experiencing the largest disparities. The research suggests that while people are living longer, they are not necessarily living healthier lives.
Increases in US life expectancy forecasted to stall by 2050, poorer health expected to cause nation’s global ranking to drop
The US is forecasted to stall in life expectancy gains and experience a decline in its global health rankings by 2050. The country's poor health is expected to cause a significant drop in the nation's overall health-adjusted life expectancy, with female HALE declining by 20 states.
Owning a home in the US linked to longer life
The study found that homeownership was associated with a statistically significant increase in life expectancy, particularly among Black male Americans. Homeownership opportunities were significantly lower among Black Americans compared to White Americans, and expanding these opportunities may help narrow the gap in life expectancy bet...
Inflammatory myopathies and autoimmune gluten-related disorders
A scoping review found associations between myositis disease activity and gluten exposure in patients with inflammatory myopathies and celiac disease. The study suggests that gluten may act as an exogenous antigen driving myositis in genetically predisposed patients.
SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalRecent Advances in Inflammation & Allergy Drug Discovery·DateDec 3, 2024
The Lancet: Deeply entrenched racial and geographic health disparities in the USA have increased over the last two decades—as life expectancy gap widens to 20 years
Life expectancy in the USA varies by more than 20 years depending on an individual's race and ethnicity and where they live. Researchers found that marginalized groups already had lower life expectancy, and the pandemic further increased the gap.
Microbiome changes in chronic liver disease highlight the need for personalized treatment
A new study reveals dramatic changes to gut and mouth bacteria in people with chronic liver disease, correlating with increased antibiotic resistance and poor clinical outcomes. The findings suggest a need for personalized microbiome-based treatments and rapid diagnosis of infections to improve patient care.
US over 40s could live extra 5 years if they were all as active as top 25% of population
A modeling study suggests that if Americans over 40 match the physical activity level of the top 25%, their average lifespan would increase by 5 years. The least physically active group could live up to 11 years longer, with each hour of walking adding 6 hours to life expectancy.
SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 14, 2024
First-of-its-kind analysis of U.S. national data reveals significant disparities in individual well-being as measured by lifespan, education, and income
The study finds significant disparities in well-being among racial and ethnic groups, as well as across sex and age groups. American Indian and Alaska Native individuals, and Black males, face the most significant challenges to overall well-being.
Beyond longevity: The critical role of mental health in Japan’s well-being
Researchers found substantial improvements in life expectancy free of psychological distress among Japanese population, with younger individuals benefiting most. However, older adults, particularly men, were more likely to experience distress due to various reasons, including widowhood.
SourceSophia University·JournalAsian Social Work and Policy Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 22, 2024
50 by 50—How can we reduce the probability of dying before age 70 by 50% globally by 2050?
The Lancet Commission on Investing in Health recommends focusing on 15 priority health conditions to achieve a 50% reduction in premature deaths. Raising taxes on tobacco is key, with estimates suggesting it could reduce mortality rates by more than any other single policy.
Attention seniors! It’s never too late to stop smoking
A new study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that quitting smoking even at 75 can significantly increase life expectancy. The research showed that older individuals who quit smoking can avoid an average loss of 4-9 years of life, with some regaining up to 8 years or more.
SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 8, 2024
Aussies above 50 are living longer, while younger people are suffering
New research from the Australian National University reveals that Australians under 50 are experiencing stagnating life expectancy, while older cohorts are living longer. The study found that external causes of death, such as substance use disorders and traffic accidents, were major contributors to this trend.
SourceAustralian National University·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 7, 2024
Despite medical advances, life expectancy gains are slowing
A recent study published in Nature Aging suggests that life expectancy gains are slowing down due to the detrimental effects of aging. The study found that life expectancy has increased only an average of six and a half years since 1990, contradicting some scientists' expectations.
Use of the term “postcode lottery” has changed dramatically over time – and means different things to different people, study shows
Researchers found the phrase has broadened to include regional inequalities in state services and poverty, with varying meanings for different people. The study, carried out by Grace Redhead and Rebecca Lynch, highlights the complex causes of regional inequality in health and healthcare.
The Lancet Public Health: Accelerating actions to eliminate tobacco smoking could help increase life expectancy and prevent millions of premature deaths by 2050, modelling study suggests
A modelling study suggests that reducing tobacco smoking globally to 5% by 2050 could increase life expectancy and prevent millions of premature deaths. Accelerating actions to eliminate tobacco smoking could result in up to 1.5 additional years of life expectancy among males and 0.4 years among females.
SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 2, 2024
Growing divide: Rural men are living shorter, less healthy lives than their urban counterparts
A new study finds that rural men can expect to live two years less than their urban counterparts by age 60, and spend fewer years in good health. The urban-rural gap in life expectancy and health quality has nearly tripled over two decades due to higher rates of smoking, obesity, and cardiovascular conditions.
Hardship early in life can affect health and longevity – even for marmots
Researchers developed a cumulative adversity index for yellow-bellied marmots, showing that early life stressors can have lasting effects on their survival and lifespan. The study found that moderate and acute adversity decreased pup survival rates by 30% and 40%, respectively.
Even as COVID raged, spikes in homicide were a significant drag on life expectancy for Black men
A recent study found that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the gap in life expectancies between Black and white men, with homicide rates contributing significantly to this disparity. The analysis revealed that homicides carried a disproportionate impact on life expectancy among young men, particularly Black men.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 21, 2024
Homicide rates are a major factor in the gap between Black and White life expectancy
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that homicide rates were the leading contributor to the racial gap in life expectancy between Black and White men during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study revealed that homicides accounted for nine times more of the racial gap in lifespan variability than deaths from COVID-19.
Korea University offers new breakthrough for Hepatitis C to improve life expectancy
A new study by Korea University College of Medicine shows that direct-acting antivirals significantly reduce liver-related clinical outcomes and lower the risk of disease progression to cancer or cirrhosis, increasing life expectancy for patients with Hepatitis C. The treatment approach has a high effectiveness rate of 90%.
SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 20, 2024
Australians outlive their peers in high income Anglophone countries by 1-4 years
Analysis of international longevity data reveals Australians have the best life expectancy at birth since the early 1990s, with a 4 to 5 year advantage over the US. Lower death rates from drug and alcohol misuse, screenable cancers, and cardiovascular diseases contribute to this advantage.
Australia offers lessons for increasing American life expectancy
A study published in BMJ Open suggests that Australia's high life expectancy can serve as a model for the US to improve its own life expectancy. The research found that Australians have a lower mortality rate from drug overdose, car accidents, and homicide compared to Americans. By adopting similar policies such as investing in public ...
Neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage across the life course and premature mortality
Research highlights life course impact of neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage on premature mortality. Persistent low socioeconomic status from young to middle adulthood significantly increases risk of early death.
Chemical and nutritional profile of fruit, vegetables and co-products to improve human health
Recent studies highlight the vital role of fruits, vegetables, and co-products in preventing chronic diseases. A diet rich in these foods can lower blood pressure, reduce heart disease risk, and improve overall health.
Large and unequal life expectancy declines in India during COVID-19
A recent study found significant and unequal mortality increases in India during the COVID-19 pandemic, with marginalized social groups experiencing greater life expectancy declines than privileged groups. The study estimated that 17% of overall mortality was higher in 2020 compared to 2019, resulting in 1.19 million excess deaths.
Research spotlight: The impact of tobacco smoking and smoking cessation on the life expectancy of people with HIV in South Africa
Research found that smoking decreases life expectancy of HIV patients by 3-6 years, but smoking cessation can regain up to 5 years. Integrating tobacco cessation interventions into HIV care could substantially improve life expectancy for this population.
SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of the International AIDS Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 15, 2024
Multivitamin use and mortality risk in 3 prospective US cohorts
A large US cohort study found no association between multivitamin use and reduced mortality risk. The study included over 200,000 participants and analyzed data from three prospective cohorts.
Eating small fish whole can prolong life expectancy, a Japanese study finds
A new study has found that women who habitually eat small fish have a reduced risk of all-cause and cancer mortality. The study, conducted in Japan, suggests that incorporating small fish into daily diets could be an effective strategy to reduce mortality risk among women.
The gender gap in life expectancy: are eggs and sperm partly responsible?
A study published in Science Advances reveals that germ cells drive sex-dependent lifespan differences in vertebrate animals. Removing these cells led to similar lifespans in males and females of the turquoise killifish species. Vitamin D was also discovered to have a role in improving longevity, with supplementation extending life spans.
Survival benefit associated with participation in clinical trials of anticancer drugs
Researchers found no significant 'participation effect' in cancer trials, contrary to common belief among patients and healthcare providers. The study's results provide reassurance that not enrolling in a trial doesn't disadvantage a patient's survival outcomes.
Research supports Sunak’s ‘smoke-free generation’ policy but British ministers will miss key levelling up health targets
A new study suggests that a 'smoke-free generation' policy may not be enough to meet the UK's levelling up agenda, with health inequalities still being a major concern. The research concludes that a smoking ban would extend working lives but is not enough to narrow the gap between prosperous and deprived areas.
SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalThe Geneva Papers on Risk and Insurance Issues and Practice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 17, 2024
Global life expectancy to increase by nearly 5 years by 2050 despite geopolitical, metabolic, and environmental threats, reports new global study
Global life expectancy is forecasted to increase from 73.6 years in 2022 to 78.1 years in 2050, with a convergence of increased life expectancy across geographies. The trend is largely driven by public health measures that have prevented and improved survival rates from cardiovascular diseases, COVID-19, and other communicable diseases.
Severe obesity in childhood can halve life expectancy, global modelling study finds
A new study quantifies the impact of childhood obesity on long-term health and life expectancy. Childhood obesity was found to have a profound effect, with a child living with severe obesity at age 4 having a life expectancy of just 39 years. Weight loss can give back decades of life.
Under 4-minute milers’ longevity shows that extreme exercise doesn’t seem to curb lifespan
A study of the first 200 athletes to run a mile in under 4 minutes found that they lived nearly 5 years beyond their predicted life expectancy. The runners, who were born between 1928 and 1955, outlived the general population by several years on average, with those whose first successful attempt was in the 1950s living an average of 9 ...
Rising child mortality in the U.S. has the most impact on Black and Native American youth
A recent VCU study reveals that Black and Native American youth are dying at significantly higher rates than white youth due to injuries. The gap in pediatric mortality rates is widening, with disparities seen in death rates from diseases like asthma and pneumonia.
Life expectancy in two disadvantaged areas higher than expected
Researchers found better-than-expected life expectancy in two disadvantaged English areas, which is likely due to population changes. Local residents and professionals attribute the gains to factors such as increased housing affordability and town centre improvements, despite rising costs for existing populations.
Study reveals cancer vulnerabilities in popular dog breeds
A University of California - Riverside study finds that medium-sized dogs have a higher risk of developing cancer than larger or smaller breeds. The multistage model of cancer acquisition supports this finding, suggesting that size is a major risk factor for cancer.
Early trauma cuts life short for squirrels, and climate change could make matters worse
A new study led by the University of Arizona finds that early-life struggles can cut adult lifespan in red squirrels by at least 14%, but a natural food boom may buffer against these effects. The researchers suggest that climate change could disrupt this dynamic, potentially affecting animal resilience.
SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateApr 24, 2024
There’s no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to addressing men’s health issues globally
Research from the University of Notre Dame finds that life transitions and global health policies for men vary across communities, with differing effects on physical and mental health. Men's life expectancy lags behind women's, and health interventions should focus on individual needs and cultural contexts.
SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 23, 2024
Health improvements occurred worldwide since 2010 despite COVID-19 pandemic, but progress was uneven
Global disease burden rates dropped by 14.2% between 2010 and 2019, but the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted this trend, causing a 4.1% increase in disease burden in 2020 and a 7.2% increase in 2021.
Life expectancy increased as world addressed major killers including diarrhea, lower respiratory infections, and stroke
The study found that reductions in deaths from chronic respiratory diseases, stroke, lower respiratory infections, and cancer led to the largest net gain in life expectancy between 1990 and 2021. The super-region of Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania had the largest net gain, while South Asia had the second-largest increase primari...
Around half of people living with HIV in developed countries are now aged 50 years and over and at higher risk of becoming frail and having multiple comorbidities
Older people with HIV are more likely to have comorbidities and become frail compared to their age groups without HIV. By 65 years old, around 70% of those living with HIV for 20 years or more are living with multiple conditions.
Patients With multimorbidity and limited life expectancy may undergo lung cancer screening unaware that it could cause them more harm than good
Patients with multimorbidity and limited life expectancy are often unaware of the potential harms of lung cancer screening. Despite this, many agree to undergo screening due to personal health goals, trust in their clinician, and anticipation of regret over not getting screened. Discussions between patients and clinicians about the ben...
Concerns about shorter lifespans for pets can drive owner action on obesity, studies find
Pet owners are most likely to help their overweight pets lose weight when veterinarians caution about the impact of obesity on life expectancy. Impact on life expectancy is the top concern for cat owners, while life expectancy and arthritis are the top concerns for dog owners.
SourceAmerican Veterinary Medical Association·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·DateMar 22, 2024
COVID-19 had greater impact on life expectancy than previously known, but child mortality rates continued to decline during the pandemic
A new study reveals that COVID-19 had a profound impact on global life expectancy, with a 1.6-year drop from 2019 to 2021, while child mortality rates continued to decrease by 7% in 2021 compared to 2019. The study found that some countries experienced high excess mortality due to the pandemic.
Small dietary changes can cut your carbon footprint by 25%
Replacing half of red and processed meat intake with plant protein foods reduces diet-related greenhouse gas emissions by 25%. Partial substitutions also lead to increased lifespan and mitigate chronic disease risk.
Many older adults receiving home care do not receive palliative care before death
A new study found that only about half of older adults with a terminal prognosis received palliative home care, highlighting the need for improved detection and support. The researchers developed a tool called RESPECT to help identify frail individuals in need of palliative care.
SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 26, 2024
Quitting smoking at any age brings big health benefits, fast: study
A new study by University of Toronto researchers found that quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk of death from vascular disease and cancer. Former smokers can expect to live up to six years longer after quitting, with benefits seen within just three years.
UK austerity politics correlated with increased frailty in the oldest adults
Researchers analyzed data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing and found that public spending cuts during austerity (2012-2018) led to a steeper increase in frailty with age compared to pre-austerity period. This association was observed across all population groups, but particularly among the oldest people.
England’s oldest became frailer during austerity, study suggests
Frailty levels dropped in the 2000s but increased steeply in the 2010s due to austerity measures, leading to a significant decline in health among the UK's oldest adults. The study warns that any new austerity measures should be carefully considered given their potential impact on long-term health.
Animals: Small, long-nosed dogs live the longest
A study analyzing over 580,000 dogs found that small, long-nosed breeds like Whippets have the highest life expectancies, while medium-sized flat-faced breeds such as English Bulldogs have the lowest. The research suggests that understanding these differences may help identify dogs at risk of early death.
Oral health indirectly influences subjective psychological well-being in older adults
Research found that oral conditions influence subjective psychological well-being in older adults by affecting nutritional status and environmental factors. Maintaining good oral health can improve nutritional intake, leading to better overall health and well-being.