Australians are living longer than ever before
Aussies live around 12 years longer than the global average.
The estimated life expectancy at birth for the average Australian has increased to 82.4 years of age, the highest it has ever been, according to the latest data.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today released its Life Tables, States, Territories and Australia, 2013-2015 report, revealing the combined life expectancy of men and women in Australia was 82.4 years, 11.9 years higher than the most recent world average of 70.5 years in 2010-15.
"Babies born today have the highest estimated life expectancy ever recorded in Australia," ABS director of demography Beidar Cho said.
Life expectancy at birth in 2013-15 was 80.4 years for males and 84.5 years for females. Over the last 10 years, life expectancy has increased 1.9 years for men and 1.2 years for women, reflecting declining death rates at most ages.
While increases in life expectancy for males has outpaced those of females in recent years, the gap has actually narrowed from 6.6 years in 1965-1967 to 4.1 years in 2013-15. These improvements can be attributed to improved health services, safer working environments and medical and technological advancements.
Life expectancy was greatest for both males (81.2 years) and females (85.3 years) in the Australian Capital Territory. The Northern Territory had the lowest levels for both men (75.7 years) and women (78.5 years).
Life expectancy estimates are used by life insurance companies to determine the price of premiums. Find out what bad health habits you can kick to reduce your insurance costs.Latest health insurance headlines
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