healthy life expectancy

Healthy life expectancy, also known as disability-free life expectancy, is an estimate of the average number of years a person is expected to live in good health, without disability. This calculation considers current age-specific mortality rates alongside the prevalence of diseases and disabilities.1

Life expectancy in general is an estimate of the average number of additional years a person of a given age can expect to live, assuming current age-specific death rates remain constant throughout their lifetime. This measure varies significantly based on factors like sex, age, race, and geographic location. For instance, in the United States in 2023, female life expectancy at birth was 81.2 years, while for males it was 75.8 years. In less-developed countries, life expectancy at birth is typically lower due to higher infant mortality rates, often caused by infectious diseases or lack of clean water.12

Healthy lifestyle choices, such as limited alcohol consumption, avoiding tobacco, and regular physical activity, can contribute to a longer and more vital life.3