The life of a human being is his greatest asset. For several centuries, some venturing to measure the average length . Of course, the accuracy of figures published here and elsewhere is partly an illusion. one source to another, statistics can be very different due to errors in calculating differences or differences "created" to conceal adverse developments. Nevertheless, the accuracy is improving constantly and trends are not challenged.
The general trend largely positive in life expectancy during the period 1910 - 2010 is known to most of us. But specific aspects are much less seen. Here are a few:
1910 to 2010. A positive trend without any exception. Whatever the country of Swaziland, where life expectancy is currently the lowest in the world to Andorra where the lifetime is longer around the evolution was positive if one compare the contemporary situation to the situation a century ago. The baby cradled in her arms a centenary African
- almost a miracle - as the baby cradled in her arms a centenary Japanese -
situations become relatively commonplace
- a hope to live longer than his grandfather. But it is true that for some births in sub-Saharan Africa, the overall gain of only a few years while the vast majority of other nations, it is counted in decades.
The positive trend on a century can be interpreted more broadly still. In 1910, life expectancy was less than 60 years no country in the world and only a few Scandinavian countries exceeded 55 years. In 2010, the average lifespan is less than 60 years in dozens of countries and, according to the UN, it is less than 55 years in some countries in sub-Saharan Africa. In other words, from this point of view in any case, it is better na
î be in a poor country today that in a rich country 100 years ago.
1910 to 1960. Major trends .
From before the First World War to the dawn of the Golden Sixties, the world is changing dramatically and hundreds of millions of citizens discover a society where children die more often. The entitlement
, or at least to an old age, although not yet the rule, becomes highly probable. Despite two world wars, Europe and North America are making leaps and bounds. In Russia, Soviet citizens spent an average life of 35 to 69 years, French citizens from 51 to 70 years and Americans 51 to 70.
In 1960, for Europeans, both East and West of the Iron Curtain and the Americans, the death "premature" before the age pension are already becoming scarce.
In the South, the increase is dramatic but it starts from much lower. An Indian citizen living on average 42 years in 1960 against only 23 in 1910 and a Brazilian 55 years instead of 32.
1960 to 2010. Overall progress continues .
During the past five decades, four broad socio-political developments contrasted can be distinguished: the West's most economically advanced countries of Eastern Europe formerly "communist", the South and down the country rapidly developing south.
Western countries most advanced In these countries, Japan, United States, States of the European Union ... in fifty years, progress has been more than 10 years. The average rate is two to three months of annual earnings. Contrary to what one thinks and often announces, there is still no sign of halting the progression even where the life is the highest (Japan, Scandinavian countries ,...). For example, during the decade of the great conquest of the moon, the development of consumer society and the car for almost every family during these years of plenty, France, Belgium and Italy from 1960 to 1970, life expectancy cro
î t about twenty months while it grows to thirty months of years assumed downs from 1995 to 2005.
countries of Eastern Europe ex "communist" The collapse of communist regimes inspired has had many causes. One cause was the discontent of citizens in relation to socioeconomic conditions. And, as regards life, dissatisfaction was justified. From the 60s, hope Life stagnates or decreases in the countries of Eastern Europe
. The reasons are probably multiple pollution, alcoholism, deterioration of social conditions and health conditions, ... This degradation has now generally interrupted except in Russia where the situation of people, particularly men, is now much worse than in many states in terms of lower economic development.
The South declined The post-independence decolonized nations was at first almost everywhere a positive period. But especially during the last 15 or 20 years of the 20th century, many countries in sub-Saharan Africa have suffered the ravages of the epidemic combined with AIDS, a dramatic economic situation and civil war. Thus, between 1985 and 2005, 20 years, the average life of a Congolese citizen (eg
- Zaire) was reduced from seven years (60 to 53 years) and a South Africa eight years (almost 60 years to less than 52 years).
Fortunately, this trend has affected all states in black Africa. During the same period of 1985 to 2005 cited Malian citizens have benefited from increased longevity of six years and nine years of Malagasy citizens. And especially in recent years, the evolution has turned positive, or at worst stable, almost everywhere in Africa. But the ravages of previous decades are still far from being erased. Of the 43 countries of the world where life expectancy is less than 60 years, only four are outside the SSA.
Southern countries growing rapidly But alongside the tragedy of much of sub-Saharan Africa, there is the miracle of the countries that were also called under-developed 20 years ago and joining
, or exceed
, the North. Overall, it's four to seven months of life are earned each year. In China, life expectancy in the capital Beijing over the life expectancy in Washington, capital of the United States. In the Indian subcontinent, the increase has been 10 years in 30 years. And the most extraordinary case, but also the most misunderstood is that of Bangladesh, one of the poorest countries in the world. Life expectancy is thought of more than 15 years past 25 years, now exceeding 65 years.
And the future? Nobody knows
what will happen the next few decades, let alone the next century. One thing is almost certain. In a few tens of months
, or less, there will be a million centenarians inhabit the planet, so there were probably fewer than 100,000 in 1980. And centenarians are today -
just
- healthier than the old yesterday.
The good news for the month
In part of the European Partnership for Innovation "(European Innovation Partnership), the European Union will hold until Jan. 28, 2011, a consultation on possible innovative actions in the areas of advanced
â age active and healthy. The suggestions may relate to particular diagnoses and treatments for diseases related to age and associated applications and services relevant to seniors.
innovative proposals to fight against the cause of the vast majority of deaths in the EU are therefore expected.
course, a consultation procedure and its consequences are not worth a major scientific breakthrough. But Europe and its citizens can contribute enormously to fund, support and guide the progress of use to people most vulnerable
, that is to say, often older.
