Why is the average lifespan decreasing?

In the history of human civilization, the average lifespan of humans has been considered a blessing. According to available data, around 20,000 years ago, the average lifespan of humans was only 30 years. However, following the Agricultural Revolution 10,000 years ago, it increased to 38 years. After the Industrial Revolution, the global average lifespan reached 75 years.

In Bangladesh, the average lifespan of people was between 46 to 49 years during the period of 1960-65. It increased to 53 years during 1975-80. From the 1990s onwards, the average lifespan of people in Bangladesh has been increasing significantly. Between 2000 and 2010, the average lifespan rose to 65 to 70 years. According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) survey in 2020, the highest average lifespan recorded in Bangladesh was 72.8 years in 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the average lifespan decreased slightly to 72.3 years in 2021, but it increased to 72.4 years in 2022.

According to the latest data from the 'Bangladesh Sample Vital Statistics 2023' released last Sunday (March 24), the overall population life expectancy of the country has decreased. The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) released this information yesterday (March 25) through all major news media in detail. According to the latest data, the average life expectancy of Bangladesh in 2023 has decreased to 72.3 years from the previous year.

According to the report, as of July 1, 2023, the population of the country has reached 172,920,000 according to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS). The average lifespan for males has reached 70.8 years, while for females, it has reached 73.8 years. This means, on average, females in this country live longer than males. The expected average lifespan implies that children born in 2023 can expect to live an average of 72.3 years.

The news also elaborates that the decrease in average lifespan is attributed to an increase in mortality rates. The three major reasons cited for the increase in mortality rates are heart diseases, cerebral hemorrhages, and respiratory diseases. The report further details that child mortality has also increased in Bangladesh, which is another contributing factor to the decrease in average lifespan. The news states that there are 33 deaths per thousand live births of children. According to information from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), one of the significant reasons for the increase in child mortality is unnecessary medical surgery. In Bangladesh, more than half of the children are born through unnecessary medical interventions. Up to 15% of deliveries may require medical surgey, but the actual rate of surgery exceeds 50%.

Increasing average lifespan is considered a sign of development in a country because it serves as an indication of the economic capability of the general population. In developed countries, the average lifespan exceeds 80%. In contrast, in less developed countries, the average lifespan remains below 62%.

According to a health report, the average lifespan in Bangladesh is decreasing because everything is becoming contaminated. Air pollution, contaminated food, and water pollution due to pesticides are major factors. These elements were once considered safe. However, day by day, this contamination is increasing, adversely affecting not only humans but also the entire ecosystem, resulting in a decrease in the average lifespan of humans.

If these problems are not addressed, the average lifespan of people in Bangladesh may further decrease in the foreseeable future. This will have an impact on overall quality of life and the economy. Therefore, focusing solely on infrastructure-based development is not enough; there needs to be awareness and action regarding food, environment, nature, and healthcare across all sectors.