A new global study published in The Lancet Public Health reveals that while life expectancy has increased significantly over the past century—reaching 73.8 years globally—the additional years gained are often lived in poorer health. The research indicates that in nearly all 204 analyzed countries, people are living longer but not necessarily healthier lives. On average, people worldwide spent 14.5% of their lives in poor health in 2023, with conditions such as disability and non-fatal illnesses becoming more common alongside extended lifespans. In wealthier nations, individuals spent 15.7% of their lives in poor health, whereas in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, this period was shorter at around 9 years. Chronic diseases and other conditions account for 57.4% of the time spent in poor health, with factors like obesity, malnutrition, smoking, air pollution, and substance abuse identified as major contributors.
Bias read (Center): The article presents findings from a scientific study conducted by researchers analyzing global health data. It does not take a partisan stance or promote specific political ideologies. Instead, it reports on statistical trends and medical observations, focusing on health outcomes rather than policy





