A measure of how long a person can expect to live from birth.
The number of years a person of a particular age is likely to live.
The number of years a human can expect to live; can vary depending on nutritional status, genetics, environment, and physical activity.
A statistically-derived estimate as to how much longer a given individual may be expected to live. Reference tables for life expectancy have been produced by insurance companies and public health statisticians for many years. The earliest such tables took into account age- and sex-specific death rates compiled for the general population, usually by governmental offices of vital statistics. The tables are periodically updated as these offices publish new data, and the more recent tables have been refined as data has become available permitting adjustments for other factors, such as smoking habits, occupation, and family history.
The number of years a newborn can expect to live under current health conditions. Life expectancy is an indicator of general health conditions, such as access to health care, infant mortality, nutrition, and air and water quality. The longer the life expectancy, the better the health conditions. In preindustrial times, life expectancy averaged between 25 and 35 years; similar numbers are found today in certain very poor countries, particularly those at war. In the industrialized nations, life expectancy generally exceeds 70 years during peacetime conditions.
The number of years an individual can expect to live. Life expectancy at birth in the UK is over 81 years for women and 76 for men. Andorra has the highest life expectancy of nearly 87 and 81 respectively, while people in many countries in Africa may expect to live only into their forties.
The number of years that an average person of a given age may be expected to live. Numerous factors influence life expectancy, including habits (e.g., smoking); chronic illnesses (e.g., congestive heart failure, end-stage renal disease, or cancers); gender (women live longer than men); and socioeconomic status. In the U.S., the average life expectancy at birth is about 78 years.
The average length of time an individual is expected to live.
Life expectancy refers to the projected number of years an individual of a given age is likely to live. Typically calculated from birth, this estimate relies on the assumption that health and disease patterns within a community remain constant. By analyzing these patterns, one can approximate life expectancy. The percentage of a population that attains its inherent lifespan (the duration people would live in the absence of illness) hinges on the overall health of that population. Consequently, life expectancy serves as a tool for comparing overall health standards within and between nations.