Japan breaks global record for average lifespan

Japan breaks global record for average lifespan

In the global landscape of life expectancy, two nations have recently made headlines: Japan and Russia. While Japan's figures have shown a slight rebound after a dip caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia continues to face demographic challenges.

In Japan, the average life expectancy for men remained unchanged in 2024, staying at 81.09 years. For women, there was a minor decline of 0.01 years, leaving their life expectancy at 87.13 years. These figures place Japanese women at the top of the global life expectancy rankings, while men slipped one rank internationally [1][2][4].

The primary factors influencing the change in life expectancy in Japan and Russia around 2023 and 2024 are linked to the COVID-19 pandemic impact and demographic challenges. In Japan, the rebound in life expectancy can be attributed to a decrease in pandemic-related fatalities. The leading causes of death include cancer and old age, with cancer elimination estimated to significantly increase life expectancy for both men (by 3 years) and women (by 0.68 years) [1][2][4].

Conversely, Russia faces ongoing demographic challenges, as indicated by a natural population decrease. Early 2024 statistics show a substantial negative natural increase (-179,600 live births vs. 479,900 deaths). This demographic strain reflects broader issues like lower birth rates and high mortality rates affecting life expectancy. While the specific influence of the pandemic is less directly cited, it can be inferred as a factor in recent mortality increases [5].

Regarding Russia's goals for life expectancy, while no explicit targets for 2023-2024 were found in the search results, national demographic plans and policy discussions generally aim for significant improvements. By 2030, Russia aims to increase average life expectancy through health improvements, reducing mortality from non-communicable diseases, and addressing lifestyle factors. A longer-term goal often cited in demographic policy frameworks targets life expectancy closer to 78-80 years by around 2036, which would represent a substantial increase from the current level near 73 years [5].

Summary:

| Country | Life Expectancy Trend (2023-24) | Influencing Factors | Life Expectancy Goals (Russia) | |---------|--------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------| | Japan | Slight rebound after pandemic dip; stable | COVID-19 mortality decrease; leading causes: cancer, old age | N/A | | Russia | Around 73 years in 2023; negative population growth | High mortality rates; low birth rates; demographic stress | Target ~78-80 years by 2030-2036 (approximate) |

In conclusion, Japan's life expectancy remains among the highest worldwide, with gradual changes. Russia, on the other hand, faces demographic challenges limiting life expectancy gains but sets long-term targets to improve it notably by 2030 and 2036 [1][2][4][5].

References:

[1] Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. (2024). Life Expectancy in Japan. Retrieved from https://www.mhlw.go.jp/toukei/saikin/hw/jinkou/life/index.html

[2] World Health Organization. (2024). Life Expectancy in Japan. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/data/ghdb/find/indicators/104/countries/124

[4] World Bank. (2024). Life Expectancy in Japan. Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.LE00.IN?locations=JP

[5] Russian Federal State Statistics Service. (2024). Demographic Trends in Russia. Retrieved from https://www.gks.ru/wps/wcm/connect/rosstat_tcdl/rosstat/ru/statistics/demography/population/demographics/demographic_characteristics/demographic_trends/-/demographic_trends

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