Fact Check: "The average human lifespan is around 72 years globally."
What We Know
The claim that the average human lifespan is around 72 years globally is supported by various statistics, particularly from the World Health Organization (WHO). According to the WHO, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, global life expectancy increased from 66.8 years in 2000 to 73.1 years in 2019 (WHO). However, the pandemic significantly impacted these figures, with global life expectancy dropping to 72.5 years by 2020 and further declining to 71.4 years in 2021 (WHO).
In contrast, other sources provide different estimates. For instance, as of 2023, the global life expectancy is reported to be approximately 73.33 years (Macrotrends). Meanwhile, Worldometer lists life expectancy data that varies by country, indicating that some nations have higher averages, such as Japan and Switzerland, where life expectancy exceeds 83 years (Worldometer).
Analysis
The claim that the average human lifespan is around 72 years is partially true. While the WHO data indicates a life expectancy of 72.5 years in 2020, it also highlights that this figure is a result of the pandemic's impact, which reversed previous gains (WHO). Furthermore, the average life expectancy has been reported as 73.33 years in 2023, which suggests that the average is indeed higher than 72 years (Macrotrends).
However, the claim's validity depends on the specific year referenced. If one considers the most recent data from 2023, the average life expectancy is above 72 years. Conversely, if one refers to the figures from 2020, the claim holds more weight.
Additionally, the source reliability varies. The WHO is a reputable organization with extensive data on global health, making its statistics credible. In contrast, sources like Truth or Fake argue that the claim is false based on higher averages in specific countries, which could mislead if interpreted as a global average.
Conclusion
The verdict is Partially True. The average human lifespan globally has fluctuated around 72 years, particularly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, more recent data suggests that the average has risen above this figure, indicating that while the claim has some basis in reality, it does not reflect the most current statistics.
