A new report issued by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has found that life expectancy is on the rise across the European Union (EU).

The report was published on November 13th, 2020 and analysed changes in life expectancy between the years of 2010 and 2019.

Summary of the Report

The report found that life expectancy in the EU rose by an average of three years per person between 2010 and 2019, from 80.1 years to 83.2 years. The increase was driven by improvements in healthcare, living standards, and lifestyle changes.

The report also examined the differences between genders and found that across the EU, women continue to live longer than men, by an average of almost five years. However, the gap between male and female life expectancy is decreasing.

The countries with the highest life expectancy in 2019 were Spain, followed by Italy and France, while the countries with the lowest were Bulgaria and Romania.

What Does This Mean For The Future?

The increasing life expectancy across the EU is a positive sign for the future. However, it also raises concerns about the sustainability of healthcare systems and government-funded pension schemes.

As more people live longer, there will be a greater need for medical care and social support, which will put a strain on public finances.

Additionally, the report highlights the need for policies that promote healthy lifestyle choices. Smoking, drinking alcohol, and unhealthy eating habits are all major contributors to poor health and early death.

As such, governments should be investing in public health campaigns that encourage people to make healthier choices.

Implications for Countries outside the EU

The results of the report are important not only for the EU but also for countries around the world. The rise in life expectancy observed in the EU is likely to be reflected in other developed nations in North America, East Asia, and Australasia.

However, it is important to note that many countries in the developing world are still struggling with low life expectancy rates due to poverty, poor access to healthcare, and limited access to clean water and sanitation.

As such, any improvements in life expectancy in these countries are likely to be slow and gradual.

Conclusion

The OEC report is a positive indication that improvements in healthcare, living standards, and lifestyle choices are having a positive impact on life expectancy across the European Union.

However, it also highlights the need for continued investment in public healthcare and social support programs to ensure that the aging population will not put too much strain on public finances in the future. Additionally, there is a need for policies that promote healthy lifestyle choices as a means of preventing chronic disease and early death.