Fact Check: "The average human lifespan is approximately 72 years globally."
What We Know
The claim that the average human lifespan is approximately 72 years globally is supported by various data sources. According to the Global Health Observatory, global life expectancy increased from 66.8 years in 2000 to 73.1 years in 2019. However, the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact, causing a decline in life expectancy. By 2020, global life expectancy had dropped to 72.5 years, and further decreased to 71.4 years in 2021. This indicates that while the average lifespan was around 73 years before the pandemic, recent events have brought it down closer to 71 years.
Additionally, a report from Our World in Data states that the global average life expectancy in 2021 was just over 70 years, highlighting the long-term trend of increasing life expectancy due to advancements in healthcare, nutrition, and living standards. The United Nations also reported a life expectancy of 73.4 years as of 2023, which aligns closely with the claim.
Analysis
The evidence indicates that the average human lifespan has fluctuated around the 72-year mark, particularly influenced by recent global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The data from the Global Health Observatory is credible, as it is compiled by the World Health Organization, which is a reputable source for health statistics. The decline in life expectancy during the pandemic is well-documented and reflects a significant reversal of previous gains in longevity.
However, it is important to note that life expectancy can vary significantly by region and demographic factors. For instance, life expectancy in high-income countries tends to be higher than in low-income countries, where it can be significantly lower. This disparity is highlighted in the data from World Population Review, which shows variations in life expectancy across different countries.
While the claim is generally accurate, it does not account for the recent declines caused by the pandemic and the disparities in life expectancy across different populations. Therefore, while the average lifespan is close to 72 years, the context of recent declines and variations must be considered.
Conclusion
Verdict: Partially True
The claim that the average human lifespan is approximately 72 years globally is partially true. While data indicates that life expectancy was around 73 years prior to the pandemic, recent declines due to COVID-19 have brought the average down to approximately 71 years. Additionally, significant regional disparities exist that the claim does not address.
