Life expectancy has risen steadily since the mid-19th century, doubling from about 40 to over 80 years. However, longevity depends not only on biology but also on lifestyle, environment, and social conditions. Poor self-care, serious illness, or exposure to harmful surroundings can shorten life. Worryingly, in some countries, life expectancy gains are slowing or even reversing, often linked to social inequality. Drug and alcohol abuse contribute, but they are not the only factors, and the decline began even before the Covid-19 pandemic.
The World Health Organization notes that global life expectancy has stalled since 2013. Many point to healthcare policies that prioritise spending over improving population health. High medical expenditure does not automatically yield better outcomes; chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory illness, kidney failure, cancer, and arthritis continue to rise in both developed and developing countries. Despite access to treatments, cures are limited, leaving people to spend time and money with little success.
Lifestyle remains crucial for longevity. Overeating, alcohol excess, inactivity, and pollution all harm health. Yet societal focus often blames individuals while ignoring systemic issues. Public health measures—clean environments, nutrition, preventive care, and equitable services—are more effective than punishment or restriction. Gains in life expectancy historically came from sanitation, hygiene, housing, and working conditions, not medicine alone.
Accidents and chronic illnesses often stem from systemic factors rather than personal negligence, affecting younger people and lower social classes disproportionately. Technology, including AI and digital health centres, promises to monitor and improve health, but its impact on overall longevity remains uncertain.
Ultimately, increasing life expectancy requires societal investment in environments and policies that genuinely improve health. Longevity is shaped by biological, social, and environmental factors and cannot be achieved through medicines or technology alone.
