3.4 Life Expectancy
In many advanced economies, life expectancy rose continually throughout the second part of the twentieth century and into the twenty-first century due to a combination of advances in medical technology and a reduction in risk factors (such as smoking). Recently, however, life expectancy rates have begun to plateau (and in some years decline), shocking public health experts.[51]
“As with infant and maternal mortality, this lack of improvement is especially concerning given Britain’s relatively poor life expectancy compared with other OECD countries – ranking 26th out of 38.”
While the COVID-19 pandemic is at least partially responsible, economic factors, including high rates of inequality, also play a role. Moreover, as with infant and maternal mortality, this lack of improvement is especially concerning given Britain’s relatively poor life expectancy compared with other OECD countries – ranking 26th out of 38.