Australians born today in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) can expect a longer life than those in any other part of the country, according to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Data released on March 12, 2024, indicates that life expectancy for the 2022-2024 period remains unchanged from the previous three years, with males living an average of 81.1 years and females reaching 85.1 years.
The ABS calculates life expectancy based on the average number of additional years a person of a specific age and gender can expect to live, assuming current age-sex specific death rates persist throughout their lifetime. This data reflects mortality rates during a challenging period, specifically capturing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which contributed to an increase in deaths.
In 2022 alone, Australia recorded nearly 20,000 additional deaths compared to 2021, with COVID-19 accounting for over 10,000 deaths. According to Dr. Sergey Timonin, a demographer at the Australian National University, the stability in life expectancy is largely attributable to the pandemic’s effects. He noted that Australia’s life expectancy currently mirrors levels seen in 2021, right before a significant drop was observed due to COVID-19.
Regional Variations in Life Expectancy
Residents of the ACT enjoy the highest life expectancy in Australia, with males living an average of 82.0 years and females reaching 85.8 years. In contrast, the Northern Territory reports the lowest life expectancy, with males living only 77.0 years and females 80.7 years. Notably, the NT experienced the most significant increase in life expectancy compared to other regions, with gains of 0.6 years for males and 0.3 years for females during the 2022-2024 period.
The data further reveals that individuals residing in capital cities generally enjoy higher life expectancy than those in remote areas. In particular, life expectancy is highest in Sydney, especially in regions such as North Sydney and Hornsby. Significant increases in life expectancy were also observed for Tasmanian men in the southeastern part of the state and for women in Sydney’s west, as well as in Melbourne’s inner-south and the southern outback of Western Australia.
Dr. Timonin emphasized that the lockdown measures, which restricted the spread of other respiratory viruses that predominantly affect seniors, contributed to the initial increase in life expectancy before the pandemic. “Before 2022, during the lockdown period in Australia, life expectancy increased significantly,” he explained.
Comparative Global Life Expectancy
Life expectancy in Australia has seen a marked improvement over the past three decades, rising from 75 years for males and 80.9 years for females. Over the last decade, the national average life expectancy increased by nearly a year. Currently, Australia ranks 10th globally for life expectancy, trailing countries such as Switzerland, Japan, and Spain.
Dr. Timonin cautioned against directly comparing Australia’s life expectancy figures with those of other OECD countries, noting that the three-year average used in Australia may not provide a fair representation, especially considering the pandemic’s toll in 2022.
As the data continues to evolve, the long-term impact of the pandemic on life expectancy remains a critical area for further research. The findings underscore the importance of addressing health challenges to improve outcomes for future generations.
