Average life expectancy falls in Taiwan

2015/10/02

Average life expectancy dropped in Taiwan for 2014, reflecting a decade-high number of deaths, according to the Ministry of the Interior Sept. 30.

The national average fell nine weeks to 79.84 years, with decreases of nine weeks to 76.72 years for men and eight weeks to 83.19 years for women. The drop for women was the first in 10 years.

An MOI official said the result is attributable to a year-on-year rise of 7,641 deaths to 163,327. “Seniors accounted for the majority, with the leading killers malignant tumors, heart diseases, pneumonia and accidents in that order.”

On average males aged over 65 can expect to live another 17.91 years, while those 80 and above will likely reach 88.66. For women, the figures are 21.33 and 90.26.

For those born last year, 81 percent of males and 91 percent of females can expect to live past 65, with half of the former reaching 80 and half of the latter 85.

Compared with other countries, Taiwan’s life expectancy is the same as Germany but lower than Japan and Singapore at 83, France at 82, and Canada, South Korea and the U.K. at 81.

“Taiwan’s longevity reflects the country’s advanced medical care services, higher income and continuously improving living conditions,” the official said.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=237192&ctNode=2194&mp=9)