Humans are living longer than ever, and that is increasing in most parts of the world. What contributes to living longer and what will extend our lives in the future?
Humans have been living longer than ever before in recorded history, thanks to advancements in medicine and public health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), global life expectancy at birth is currently around 72 years, up from 65 years in 1990. However, life expectancy varies widely by country and region, with some countries having much higher life expectancies than others. In this article, we will explore how long humans are expected to live in different countries and what factors will lengthen life expectancy in the future.
Life Expectancy by Country
Life expectancy varies widely by country and region due to a range of factors, including access to healthcare, diet and nutrition, and socioeconomic status. Here are some examples of life expectancy in different countries:
Japan - Japan has the highest life expectancy in the world, with an average life expectancy of 84 years. This is due to factors such as a healthy diet, low smoking rates, and a strong healthcare system.
United States - The United States has a lower life expectancy than other developed countries, with an average life expectancy of 78 years. This is due to factors such as high rates of obesity, poor diet, and a lack of universal healthcare. I also think this is simply due to people living a sedentary lifestyle and not exercising. We have an abundance of food in the United States where I live, and it takes work to stay fit and eat healthy - thus many don't do it.
South Africa - South Africa has a lower life expectancy than many other African countries, with an average life expectancy of 63 years. This is due to factors such as high rates of HIV/AIDS, violence, and poverty.
Factors That Will Lengthen Life Expectancy in the Future
Advancements in medicine and technology are likely to lead to longer life expectancies in the future. Here are some factors that will contribute to increased life expectancy:
Genetic Research - Genetic research has the potential to identify genes that contribute to diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's. Once these genes are identified, it may be possible to develop targeted treatments that could prevent or delay the onset of these diseases.
Anti-Aging Therapies - Scientists are currently developing anti-aging therapies that could slow or reverse the aging process. These therapies could help to prevent or delay age-related diseases, such as dementia and heart disease.
Artificial Organs - The development of artificial organs, such as artificial hearts and kidneys, could help to extend the lives of people with organ failure. This technology could also be used to create replacement organs for people who need transplants.
Robotics - Robotics technology could help to improve healthcare by providing assistance to elderly or disabled patients. Robots could be used to assist with tasks such as getting out of bed, taking medication, and doing exercises.
Life expectancy has been increasing steadily over the past few decades, and this trend is expected to continue in the future. However, life expectancy varies widely by country and region due to a range of factors, including access to healthcare, diet and nutrition, and socioeconomic status. Advancements in medicine and technology are likely to lead to longer life expectancies in the future, with factors such as genetic research, anti-aging therapies, artificial organs, and robotics playing a significant role in improving healthcare and extending human lifespan.
I take the approach that to live a long life, eat healthy, exercise, meditate or do yoga, have good connections in your social circle, don't smoke or do drugs, and keep stress low. Contribute to life and be engaged with it - all of these will help. At some point, medical and biotech advancements will help further extend beyond what we can do for ourselves.
What do you do to live a long life? Is there anything not mentioned here that you do?
Online writer since 2008. I enjoy writing and have written nearly a thousand tech related articles about electric vehicles, software, tech companies, hardware, gaming, tech related products, and company developments in tech.
