Global life expectancy experienced a notable decline of 1.6 years between 2019 and 2021, as revealed by a study published in The Lancet journal. This study, one of the first to comprehensively analyze demographic shifts during the initial years of the COVID-19 pandemic, suggests far-reaching implications for global health systems, economies, and societies worldwide. The research also sheds light on the ageing population trend globally.
According to the findings, life expectancy decreased in 84 percent of countries and territories during this period, underscoring the severe impact of novel pathogens. Regions such as Mexico City, Peru, and Bolivia witnessed some of the most significant declines. Furthermore, adult mortality rates surged globally during the pandemic years, reversing previous downward trends. However, child mortality continued to decrease, albeit at a slower pace than before.
The study, coordinated by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington, presents updated estimates from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2021. It highlights a 22 percent increase in global death rates among individuals aged over 15 years, with roughly 16 million deaths attributed to the pandemic’s direct or indirect effects. Despite these challenges, the research underscores that historic gains in life expectancy have not been entirely undone, emphasizing the continued importance of addressing global health disparities and demographic shifts.
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