Global life expectancy has risen by six years in the last 25 years, according to a new study published in the medical journal Lancet. More than 700 researchers at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington collected data for a survey that was commissioned by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to determine the outlook for human lifespans in 2014.
In the United States, people are living three years longer on average, with advances in medicine and technology to credit for our ever-improving lifespans. For people aging in place, the news serves as a reminder that as people live longer, they're presented with more years to fill with fun and purpose. On the other hand, longer lives mean that planning for retirement and care later in life takes on even greater importance than it has for previous generations.
The study also illuminates a longstanding gender gap between men and women: a girl born in 2014 is expected to live 81.4 years, whereas a boy born this year will likely live to be 76.3. According to the report, this is largely due to higher rates of smoking and drinking among men. While American figures lag behind improvements in the rest of the developed world, Lancet's research identified key areas that demand attention. For example, Alzheimer's disease and diabetes are on the rise, and continue to be areas where caregivers must look out for signs.
"People today are less likely than their parents to die from certain conditions, but there are more people of older ages throughout the world," said Dr. Christopher Murray, in a statement. "This is an encouraging trend as people are living longer. We just need to make sure we are making the right health policy decisions today to prepare for the health challenges and associated costs that are coming."
Today's individuals aging in place also benefit from unprecedented developments in support. With Independa's Angela™ platform, care recipients at home can communicate through the convenience of an LG TV.
