Key points from article :
The average human lifespan has increased globally, and this trend is expected to continue as countries get richer.
Women have historically outlived men, but changing lifestyles may be helping men gradually catch up.
Researchers studied mortality data from 194 countries from 1990 to 2010, dividing into five groups based on longevity trends.
Men in Rwanda and Uganda saw the largest increase in life expectancy (14 years) compared to women (0.94 years).
Similar trends of closing life expectancy gaps is noticed in all income groups.
Researchers haven't analyzed data past 2010, so COVID-19's impact is unclear.
Improved healthcare, awareness of conditions like AIDS, and reduced smoking/alcohol-related deaths likely contribute.
“This study is consistent with epidemiologic trends that would suggest a rise in global life expectancy and a narrowing of the gender gap over time,” - Brandon Yan at the University of California, San Francisco.
Study by University of Alcala, published in PLOS ONE.
