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.
How much do you know?
What is the term used to describe the period of significant increase in life expectancy during the 20th century?
According to current projections, what is the projected average life expectancy for men and women respectively?
Which country experienced a decline in life expectancy growth due to factors like the opioid crisis?
Some experts believe that there is a biological limit to aging. What do others suggest could lead to another era of radical life extension?
What is one factor mentioned in the text that plays a role in influencing life expectancy trends?
What aspect of life expectancy trends is still considered a cause for celebration despite the slowdown in growth?
Advancements in healthcare and living conditions have led to a rapid increase in life expectancy in wealthier countries today.
Only a minority of newborns are expected to reach the age of 100 based on current projections.
There is a unanimous consensus among experts regarding the existence of a biological limit to human lifespan.
Improvements in healthcare access have no impact on life expectancy trends according to the text.
The text mentions that the slowdown in life expectancy growth is solely a negative development with no positive aspects.
Poverty reduction is highlighted as a significant factor influencing life expectancy trends.
The average life expectancy may plateau around 84 for men and for women based on current projections.
Studies suggest that despite advancements in healthcare, the average life expectancy in wealthier countries is not increasing as rapidly as it did in the century.
Factors such as the opioid crisis in the US and improvements in healthcare access in play a role in influencing life expectancy trends.
There is ongoing debate among experts regarding the existence of a biological to aging.
Despite the slowdown in life expectancy growth, it is noted that people are living .
The importance of social benefits, healthcare services, and poverty reduction in influencing life expectancy trends cannot be .
