Women live, on average, 2.6 years longer than men, with a life expectancy of 85.3 years for women and 82.7 years for men. Not only do women live longer, but they also enjoy a greater number of healthy years, with 79.8 years of good health compared to 77.9 years for men. Life expectancy at birth is a measure of how long, on average, a newborn can expect to live if current mortality rates remain unchanged. However, the actual mortality rate for any particular birth cohort can only be known in hindsight.
If mortality rates are decreasing, real life expectancy will be higher than the life expectancy calculated using current mortality rates. Life expectancy at birth is one of the most commonly used indicators of health status and is presented as a total and by gender, measured in years. It has increased over time due to a variety of factors such as an increase in the standard of living, improved lifestyle and education, and greater access to quality health services. Public health interventions and addressing key risk factors have contributed to the increase in life expectancy across most age groups. Healthy life expectancy (HLE) is an alternative measure of population health that is more intuitive and meaningful to people since it reflects how long they can expect to live in good health. HLE estimates the years of remaining life spent in good health, providing insight into both the quantity and quality of life. Summary measures like HLE combine mortality and morbidity data to offer a comprehensive view of population health. Compared to mortality and morbidity rates, HLE is a more relatable indicator that people can identify with.
Introduction
Healthy life expectancy is an essential measure that goes beyond simply counting the years we live—it focuses on the quality of those years. This metric estimates the average number of years a person can expect to live in good health, free from chronic diseases and disabilities. As a key indicator of population health, healthy life expectancy provides a deeper understanding of the overall well-being of communities and nations. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines healthy life expectancy as the number of years an individual can anticipate living in full health, without the limitations of disease or disability. Calculated using comprehensive data from the Global Health Observatory, this measure offers valuable insights into health trends and helps guide public health strategies worldwide. By focusing on both the length and quality of life, healthy life expectancy highlights the importance of living not just longer, but healthier lives.
Defining Healthy Life Expectancy
Healthy life expectancy, sometimes referred to as disability-free life expectancy or Sullivan’s Index, is a summary measure that combines information on both mortality and morbidity to estimate how many years people can expect to live in good health. Unlike traditional life expectancy, which only considers the average number of years lived, healthy life expectancy takes into account the years spent living with chronic diseases, mental health conditions, or disabilities that can impact quality of life. This approach provides a more complete picture of a population’s health status, helping to identify not just how long people live, but how well they live. Health authorities and organizations use healthy life expectancy to monitor health trends, address health inequalities, and develop targeted interventions that promote healthy aging. By focusing on both the quantity and quality of life, this summary measure helps guide efforts to improve health outcomes for all.
Global Perspective
Healthy life expectancy varies widely across the globe, reflecting differences in health systems, socioeconomic status, and the prevalence of major diseases. According to the World Health Organization, the global average healthy life expectancy at birth is about 63 years, but this figure can differ dramatically between countries. For instance, Japan boasts one of the highest healthy life expectancies, with people enjoying an average of 74 years in good health, while some African nations report averages closer to 50 years. These disparities are often linked to the global burden of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which significantly reduce the number of healthy years people experience. The Global Health Observatory provides a valuable resource for comparing healthy life expectancy and related health statistics across countries, helping to identify where improvements are needed and track progress over time.
Health Organization and Systems
Health organizations and systems are at the forefront of efforts to improve healthy life expectancy and overall population health. The World Health Organization collaborates with national health authorities to design and implement policies that support healthy aging and reduce health inequalities. Effective health systems can make a significant difference by ensuring access to quality health care, promoting healthy behaviors, and addressing the social and economic factors that influence health. Initiatives such as chronic disease prevention programs, mental health support, and health promotion campaigns are vital for increasing life expectancy and enhancing the quality of life. By investing in these areas, health authorities can help more people enjoy longer, healthier lives and reduce the years spent in poor health.
Measuring Health Status and Data
Accurate measurement of health status is fundamental to understanding and improving healthy life expectancy. The World Health Organization relies on a variety of data sources—including national health surveys, mortality data, and disease surveillance systems—to estimate healthy life expectancy and monitor health outcomes. Health status data can be gathered through self-reported surveys, clinical assessments, and administrative records, providing a comprehensive view of how health is experienced across different age groups and populations. Reliable health statistics are essential for tracking trends, evaluating the impact of health interventions, and identifying areas where health inequalities persist. By analyzing this data, health authorities can develop targeted strategies to promote healthy aging, reduce the burden of chronic conditions, and ensure that gains in life expectancy are matched by improvements in the quality of life.
