Not everyone gets to celebrate their 100th birthday. Studies show that despite advancements in healthcare and living conditions, the average life expectancy in wealthier countries is not increasing as rapidly as it did in the past. This suggests that there may be a limit to how long humans can live, though some researchers believe further progress is possible.
During the 20th century, life expectancy at birth in wealthier regions increased by an average of three years per decade, a period known as radical life extension. However, the rate of increase has slowed in recent years, with some countries experiencing a decline in life expectancy growth. Factors such as the opioid crisis in the US and improvements in healthcare access in Hong Kong play a role in these trends.
Based on current projections, the average life expectancy may plateau around 84 for men and 90 for women, with only a minority of newborns expected to reach the age of 100. While some experts believe in a biological limit to ageing, others suggest that with the right policies and investments in anti-ageing research, we could see another era of radical life extension in the future.
Despite the slowdown in life expectancy growth, it is still a cause for celebration that people are living longer. The importance of social benefits, healthcare services, and poverty reduction in influencing life expectancy trends cannot be understated.
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Vocabulary List:
- Expectancy /ɪkˈspɛktənsi/ (noun): The state of expecting or hoping for something particularly in terms of duration of life.
- Advancements /ədˈvænsmənts/ (noun): Improvements or developments in a particular area especially technology or science.
- Radical /ˈræd.ɪ.kəl/ (adjective): Relating to or affecting the fundamental nature of something; extreme change.
- Decline /dɪˈklaɪn/ (verb): To decrease or diminish in quality quantity or strength.
- Projections /prəʊˈdʒɛkʃənz/ (noun): Estimates or forecasts based on current trends or data.
- Influencing /ˈɪnfluːənsɪŋ/ (verb): The act of affecting or changing someone or something in a particular way.
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