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New Delhi: Humans today are living, on average, 20 years longer than they did in 1950 — a remarkable testament to medical and social progress. Every one of the 204 countries and territories studied has seen a decline in mortality rates over the past seven decades, according to new research published in The Lancet by the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). However, the study’s findings also note an alarming rise in deaths among young adults and adolescents.

The analysis showed that by 2023, global life expectancy rose to 76.3 years for women and 71.5 years for men. This is back to the pre-pandemic levels, after having dropped drastically during COVID-19. The infection, which was once feared as a leading cause of death, is now at the 20th spot.

Shifting Causes of Death

Deaths from infectious diseases such as measles, diarrheal illness, and tuberculosis have declined sharply in recent decades. But this progress has come with a shift — noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and Alzheimer’s now account for about two-thirds of global deaths. Although mortality from heart disease and stroke has dropped since 1990, lifestyle- illnesses such as diabetes and obesity are on the rise.

Dr. Christopher Murray, director of IHME, described the findings as a “wake-up call” for governments. “The rapid growth of the world’s aging population and the evolution of new risk factors are creating a fresh wave of health challenges,” he said, urging global leaders to take strategic action.

Preventable risks

The study notes that half of the world’s disease burden is largely preventable, associated with modifiable risk factors. Some of the top causes of death are high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes. From 2010 to 2023, global disease burden linked to obesity rose by 11%. Environmental threats like lead exposure and air pollution are also key contributors. Anxiety and depression are also leading causes of concern globally. Cases of drug abuse, overdose, and alcohol addiction are contributing to a global crisis.

Inequality continues

Although global life expectancy is on the rise, regional differences persist. In high-income countries, life expectancy is around 83 years. However, in low-income areas, life expectancy is still low, with children and adolescents succumbing to preventable injuries and infections.

The researchers warn that progress in low-income nations could reverse due to recent cuts in international aid. “Countries that depend on global health funding for essential care, vaccines, and medicines risk losing decades of gains,” said Professor Emmanuela Gakidou, senior author of the study. As the world lives longer, the challenge now lies in ensuring those extra years are healthier and more equitable — not just a statistical extension of life, but a genuine improvement in its quality.