Average lifespan

This refers to the news report, ‘Average lifespan in EU tops 80’ (Nov 24). It was reported that the average lifespan of people in the EU has touched 80 for the first time, but preventable illnesses caused by smoking, alcohol and obesity are taking a huge toll. The numbers of the over-65s have risen from less than 10 percent of the population in 1980 and could potentially reach nearly 30 percent in 2060. But in Pakistan, the reverse trend is occurring. As the population growth rate has not stabilised, the under-25s are still a growing force to reckon with and how to absorb it in productive tasks. In addition, factors such as rampant poverty, high inflation, low literacy and education levels, and the dysfunctional state of our public health-care system and government-managed hospitals, means our ‘average lifespan’ shall remain under pressure and hover around the guesstimated level of 58-61 years, in-spite of our growing economic prowess.

Had we vigorously pursued the 2000 Millennium Development Goals and the ones which came thereafter, the ‘lifespan’ of an average Pakistani male or female would have shown an upward trajectory. But as we continue to produce babies at a relentless rate and leaving the hard work for others to do or opting for immigration or overseas employment, it may take a century before an average Pakistani can survive to the age of 80 – especially the under-stress Pakistani male. However one hopes that just two full decades of rapid economic development may lift so many people out of poverty and contribute to a vastly improved ‘average lifespan’. Decreased poverty levels and consequently increased average lifespan levels are the hall-marks of successful and modern societies which is what we intend to become.

Abbas R Siddiqi

Lahore