Wiesbaden. In contrast to many other European countries, life expectancy in Germany has not yet risen to its pre-Corona pandemic level. In 2023, the German average was around three months lower than in 2019, as the Federal Institute for Population Research announced on Wednesday in Wiesbaden. Women currently have a life expectancy of 83.3 years and men 78.6 years. The statistics show considerable regional differences.
Baden-Württemberg is the front runner among the federal states. Statistics there show an average expected lifespan of 84.24 years for girls born in 2023. For boys, the statistics predict 80.14 years. This marks the first time that men have reached the age of over 80.
Baden-Württemberg is 1.5 years above the national average for men and women. For women, Saxony and Bavaria take second and third place; for men Bavaria and Hesse. Men have the lowest life expectancy in Saxony-Anhalt, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Bremen: the values there are between 1.0 and 2.5 years below average.
Optimistic after downtrend
After the three-year downward trend caused primarily by corona deaths, life expectancy rose again for the first time in 2023, according to the federal institute. “The recent increases are optimistic and are signs of an approach to pre-pandemic levels.”
Read it too
Increases can be observed for all federal states as well as for women and men. The increases were particularly pronounced in Thuringia, Rhineland-Palatinate and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, where they were more than half a year compared to 2022. For women in Rhineland-Palatinate and Saxony as well as for men in Baden-Württemberg and Schleswig-Holstein, life expectancy is higher today than before the corona pandemic.
Statisticians still see the coronavirus as the cause of life expectancy in most federal states, which is still below the 2019 values. “In general, in almost all federal states, the continued lower life expectancy compared to 2019 is explained by higher mortality in the older age groups aged 65 and over.” Although Corona has become less important as a cause of death, it still plays an important role among older people .
Statistics define life expectancy as the expected years of life of a newborn under the mortality conditions that prevailed in the respective year of birth. (KNA)
Weaknesses in the German healthcare system. We’ve seen how quickly healthcare resources can be stretched and the importance of robust emergency response plans. Moving forward, investing in healthcare infrastructure and ensuring preparedness for future health crises is critical.
1. How can we interpret the current state of life expectancy in Germany compared to pre-Corona pandemic levels, and what are the possible factors contributing to this?
Guest 1: It’s concerning that life expectancy hasn’t yet returned to pre-pandemic levels in Germany, and it’s worth examining the potential underlying causes. While COVID-19 deaths were a significant concern, other factors like delayed healthcare and reduced public health initiatives during lockdowns may have also impacted overall health outcomes. Furthermore, the ongoing effects of long COVID and the psychological toll of the pandemic cannot be ignored.
Guest 2: It’s too simplistic to attribute this solely to COVID-19. We must also consider ongoing socio-economic inequalities, such as access to healthcare and socioeconomic status. The financial burden of the pandemic may have disproportionately affected certain groups, leading to further health disparities. Additionally, we should look at potential changes in lifestyle habits like diet and exercise during the pandemic, which may have led to an increase in chronic health conditions.
2. What role does regional variation play in life expectancy in Germany, and how can we address these disparities?
Guest 1: It’s concerning to see such stark differences between federal states, particularly when it comes to men’s life expectancy in certain regions like Saxony and Bremen. Addressing these regional disparities will require targeted healthcare initiatives and policies that cater to the specific needs of affected areas. For example, providing more resources for preventive care and promoting healthy lifestyle habits could help reduce these gaps.
Guest 2: It’s essential to consider the socio-economic conditions that contribute to these disparities. Improving access to healthcare, especially in disadvantaged regions, could have a significant impact on overall health outcomes. Additionally, increasing public health awareness campaigns and promoting healthy lifestyle choices could help reduce the prevalence of chronic health conditions.
3. How has COVID-19 impacted overall healthcare in Germany, and what lessons can be learned for future pandemics?
Guest 1: The pandemic has highlighted both strengths and
