The majority of OECD countries cross the 80-year life expectancy mark. But beware of the harmful effects of the crisis, underlines the Panorama santé 2013.
Blowing out 80 candles becomes possible for the citizens of the countries of theOECD. This is underlined by the Organization’s 2013 Panorama of Health, published on November 21. The majority of countries have experienced a 10-year rise in life expectancy over the past 40 years.
Less risky behavior
France, she crossed the 80 years mark in 2004. Since then, she is at the top of the ranking with an expectation of 82.2 years in 2011. Switzerland, Japan, Italy, Spain and Iceland do better. At the other extreme, Indonesia and India are no more than 70 years old – far from OECD standards. Some countries are moving in the other direction. South Africa, with the explosion of HIV infections, is stagnating and Russia is retreating. It is also in this country that the gaps are greatest between men and women. Male citizens have more risky behaviors, explains the report: alcohol and tobacco consumption, frequency of homicides, suicides and road accidents.
The evolution of life expectancy over the past 40 years gives some clues about countries in the process of industrialization. In OECD countries, it has made a real leap. In some countries, it looks like a revolution: South Korea and Turkey gain 20 years, Chile 15. Life expectancy remains modest compared to the top of the ranking, but the progress is surprising. The reduction in risky behavior – because of the economic crisis – has made it possible: citizens consume less alcohol and tobacco and experience fewer road accidents. The lower infant mortality is the second factor, followed by the management of serious diseases (cancer, stroke, heart attacks) which we survive better than 20 years ago.
Health spending is declining
However, with the financial crisis of 2008, health spending slowed down. In 11 countries, they even declined. The report highlights two worrying situations. In Greece, since the crisis, infant mortality has started to rise again. Health cuts are drastic, and the number of people living with HIV is exploding. Second cause for concern: the consumption of antidepressants since 2008. France, reputed to be a major consumer, has been overtaken by most countries. Germany, although exemplary in terms of economic management, has caught up with France. Hard-hit Spain and Portugal also doubled their consumption.
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