The Average Human Life Span in 2016: Global Perspectives and Regional Variations

The average human life span can vary significantly depending on a multitude of factors including cultural practices, healthcare systems, and regional behaviors. This article explores the average life expectancy in 2016, specifically focusing on the United States, South Africa, and the regional differences within the U.S.

Average Life Span in the United States 2016

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's National Population Projections for 2014, the projected life expectancy at birth in the United States in 2016 can be projected based on Table 17, which provides estimates ranging from 2015 to 2060.

For the overall population, the life expectancy in 2015 was reported to be approximately 79.4 years, with a projected increase to 80.2 years by 2020. For males, the 2015 life expectancy was 77.1 years, increasing to 78.0 years by 2020. Females, on the other hand, had a life expectancy of 81.7 years in 2015, which is projected to reach 82.4 years by 2020.

Regional Variations in the United States

Life span statistics often indicate regional variations. A discussion in Life Extension highlights the disparities between different regions in the United States, where the average life span can range from 80 years in New England to 70 years in the Southern States. These variations reflect distinct lifestyle, healthcare access, and social determinants of health in these regions.

Cultural and socioeconomic factors play a significant role in these differences. Areas with higher income levels and better healthcare infrastructure tend to have longer life spans. For instance, New England, with its strong healthcare systems and well-educated populations, boasts longer life spans compared to the Southern States, which often face challenges related to poverty, lack of healthcare access, and historical underinvestment in public health infrastructure.

Impact of Health Care on Life Spans

The availability and quality of healthcare services greatly influence life expectancy. Lack of access to healthcare can lead to premature deaths from various causes, including childbirth complications. In some cases, the actual statistical life span may be significantly shorter than the potential life span due to avoidable or preventable causes.

In South Africa, a recent article in the National Review discussed the impact of the post-apartheid era on life spans. The article noted that the national context and socioeconomic disparities contribute to varying life expectancy rates. In regions with limited healthcare resources, women may die from childbirth-related complications before reaching their full potential lifespan. Conversely, with better healthcare, the same population group could live much longer, potentially reaching up to 90 to 100 years.

For example, in areas with high maternal mortality rates, the life expectancy rate for females may drop to around 20 years due to unpreventable childbirth traumas. However, in regions with adequate healthcare, women could potentially live well beyond the age of 80, demonstrating the stark impact of healthcare on life expectancy.

Conclusion

The average human life span in 2016 is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including regional and national healthcare systems, socioeconomic conditions, and cultural practices. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing policies that aim to improve healthcare access and life expectancy globally.