The Australian Bureau of Statistics has unveiled the latest life expectancy data for the period of 2020-2022. Here are the key findings:
National Overview:
- Life expectancy at birth was 81.2 years for males and 85.3 years for females.
- This marks a slight decrease of 0.1 years for both genders compared to the previous year (2019-2021).
- Over the past decade, life expectancy increased by 1.3 years for males and 1.0 year for females.
- The gender gap in life expectancy is 4.1 years.
State and Territory Breakdown:
- The Australian Capital Territory boasted the highest life expectancy for both males (82.2 years) and females (86.0 years).
- The Northern Territory reported the lowest life expectancy for males (76.2 years) and females (80.7 years).
- Females’ life expectancy decreased across all states and territories, while males experienced a decrease in most regions except South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania.
Regional Disparities:
- Life expectancy was generally higher in capital city Statistical Area Level 4s (SA4s) compared to remote SA4s.
- Sydney – Baulkham Hills and Hawkesbury recorded the highest life expectancy for males (85.7 years), while Sydney – North Sydney and Hornsby led for females (88.2 years).
- The Northern Territory – Outback had the lowest life expectancy for both males (71.6 years) and females (75.8 years).
International Ranking:
- Australia ranks third globally in life expectancy.
- Monaco and Japan claim the top two spots.
- Australia’s male life expectancy ranks second globally, while female life expectancy ranks sixth.
The data reveals shifts in life expectancy patterns influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, with 2020 seeing a lower-than-expected death rate, followed by an increase in 2021 and a substantial rise in deaths in 2022. The report underlines the ongoing significance of monitoring health trends on a national and global scale.
https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/population/life-expectancy/2020-2022