The average life expectancy for men has increased significantly over the past century. Thanks to advancements in medicine, technology, and public health, men today can expect to live longer than ever before. However, there are still differences in life expectancy based on geographic location, race, income level, and other factors.
Average life expectancy for men worldwide
According to the latest data from the World Health Organization (WHO), the global average life expectancy for men is about 69 years. This average takes into account all WHO member states and territories.
Here’s a look at average male life expectancy in different regions of the world:
| Region | Average Male Life Expectancy |
|---|---|
| Global | 69 years |
| Africa | 61 years |
| Americas | 74 years |
| Eastern Mediterranean | 67 years |
| Europe | 73 years |
| South-East Asia | 67 years |
| Western Pacific | 74 years |
As the table shows, life expectancy for men is highest in the Americas and Europe, where it averages 74 years. It is lowest in Africa at just 61 years. There is significant variation within regions as well.
Life expectancy for men in the United States
According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average life expectancy at birth for American men is about 76 years. This ranks 43rd globally.
Here is the life expectancy at birth for men of different ethnic groups in the U.S:
| Race/Ethnicity | Life Expectancy at Birth |
|---|---|
| All Races | 76.1 years |
| White | 76.4 years |
| Black | 71.3 years |
| Hispanic | 79.2 years |
| Asian | 86.5 years |
The data shows significant racial disparities, with white and Hispanic men living longer on average than black men. Asian men have the highest life expectancy by far.
Factors impacting male life expectancy
There are a number of factors that contribute to variations in life expectancy between different groups and regions:
Access to healthcare
Access to quality preventive care and treatment of illness greatly impacts lifespan. Men with health insurance and a regular doctor tend to live longer.
Chronic diseases
Chronic illnesses like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and lung disease are leading causes of death for men globally. Access to early screening and treatment is key.
Lifestyle factors
Smoking, heavy alcohol use, obesity, and physical inactivity contribute to shorter lifespans. Men who maintain healthy lifestyles live longer.
Socioeconomic status
Poverty, lower education levels, and living in areas with high crime and pollution also correlate with lower life expectancy.
Genetics
While modifiable risk factors play a major role, genetics and family history also impact lifespan to some degree.
Trends in male life expectancy
Over the past century, average life expectancy for American men has increased by almost 30 years, from 47 years in 1900 to 76 years today. However, recent trends show concerning declines.
According to the CDC, life expectancy for American men peaked around 2010 at 76.8 years. It has dropped slightly each year since, declining by about 2 years between 2014 and 2017. This has largely been driven by increases in deaths from drug overdoses, liver disease, and suicide.
Globally, most countries saw steady rises in male life expectancy for decades. But over the past few years, progress has stalled or even reversed in some places. Experts cite obesity, drug use, armed conflicts, and HIV/AIDS epidemics as potential contributing factors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, average life expectancy for men has risen significantly over time thanks to medical and public health advances. However, geographic, socioeconomic, and ethnic disparities persist both within countries and globally. Recent declines in the U.S. and stalling progress internationally highlight the need for continued public health efforts to promote healthy lifestyles and preventable disease treatment for all populations.