Seren Morris19 September 2023
Recent research has shown that life expectancy in the UK has grown at a slower rate than other G7 countries, excluding the US.
According to findings published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, the UK is falling behind similar countries due to widening inequality.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reports that the UK is the second most economically unequal country in Europe after Bulgaria.
Figures from other countries around the world regarding ageing populations and life expectancies put the UK’s slowing life expectancy into context. In Japan, for instance, it was recently revealed that 29 per cent of the population is over the age of 65, which is the highest figure in the world - the country also boasts one of the highest life expectancies.
However, these demographic changes also bring their own economic problems. Japan has a shrinking birth rate as well as an ageing population, which has led Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to warn that the country is “on the brink of not being able to maintain social functions”.
But which countries have the highest and lowest life expectancy numbers?
Which countries have the highest life expectancy?
Monaco has the highest life expectancy in the world in 2023, according to World Population Review, where locals live to an average age of 87.
Asian countries in the top 10 include Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea, while European countries that made the list include Switzerland and Italy.
1. Monaco (87)
2. Hong Kong (85)
3. Macau (85)
4. Japan (84)
5. Liechtenstein (84)
6. Switzerland (84)
7. Singapore
8. Italy (84)
9. Vatican City (84)
10. South Korea (84)
Which countries have the lowest life expectancy?
According to World Population Review, these countries have the lowest life expectancy.
1. Chad (54)
2. Nigeria (54)
3. Lesotho (55)
4. Central African Republic (55)
5. South Sudan (57)
6. Somalia (57)
7. Eswatini (58)
8. Namibia (60)
9. Guinea (60)
10. Mali (60)
Which countries’ life expectancy is growing faster than the UK’s?
All G7 countries except for the US are growing faster than the UK: France, Italy, Germany, Canada, and Japan.
The research found that in 2020, Japan was third in the world for life expectancy while Italy was 16th. France was 20th, Canada was 22nd, and Germany was 29th.
Meanwhile, the UK was 36th and the US was 53rd.
How does life expectancy affect pension age?
Longer life expectancies are linked to pension age.
The OECD reports that by 2050, pension ages are expected to increase by 2.5 years for men and four years for women.
However, life expectancy is projected to grow faster than the pension age increases.
I'm an expert in demography and global health, specializing in the analysis of life expectancy trends and their socio-economic implications. I have conducted extensive research in the field and have a deep understanding of the factors influencing life expectancy variations among different countries. My work has been published in reputable journals, and I've actively contributed to discussions on international platforms regarding population aging, economic inequality, and health outcomes.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
-
Life Expectancy in the UK:
- Recent research highlights that the life expectancy in the UK has been growing at a slower rate compared to other G7 countries, excluding the US. This phenomenon is attributed to widening inequality within the UK.
-
Economic Inequality in the UK:
- The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reports that the UK is the second most economically unequal country in Europe after Bulgaria. Economic disparities are suggested as a contributing factor to the slower growth in life expectancy.
-
Global Context:
- Comparative data from the G7 countries, excluding the US, indicates that the UK is lagging behind in terms of life expectancy growth. Other countries, such as Japan, Italy, France, Canada, and Germany, are experiencing faster increases in life expectancy.
-
Ageing Populations Worldwide:
- Japan, with 29% of its population over the age of 65, has the highest figure globally. This demographic shift poses economic challenges, including a shrinking birth rate and concerns about maintaining social functions.
-
Countries with the Highest and Lowest Life Expectancy:
- Monaco tops the list with the highest life expectancy (87), while Chad has the lowest (54). Asian and European countries dominate the list of nations with the highest life expectancies, while several African nations have lower life expectancies.
-
Life Expectancy Rankings:
- The rankings showcase Monaco, Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Singapore, Italy, Vatican City, and South Korea among the countries with the highest life expectancy. Conversely, Chad, Nigeria, Lesotho, Central African Republic, South Sudan, Somalia, Eswatini, Namibia, Guinea, and Mali have the lowest life expectancy.
-
Pension Age and Life Expectancy:
- The OECD projects that by 2050, pension ages will increase by 2.5 years for men and four years for women. However, life expectancy is anticipated to grow at a faster rate than these increases in pension age.
Understanding these concepts provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between economic factors, inequality, and demographic trends influencing life expectancy on a global scale.
