Recent data indicates decline in life expectancy in India for the first time in five decades. The life expectancy at birth has decreased by 0.2 years, now estimated at 69.8 years for the period from 2017 to 2021. This decline is observed in both rural and urban areas, with rural life expectancy dropping by 0.1 years and urban by 0.3 years.
Life Expectancy Statistics
Life expectancy varies across regions. Delhi reports the highest male life expectancy at 73 years. For females, Kerala leads with an average of 77.9 years. Conversely, Chhattisgarh has the lowest figures, with 62.8 years for males and 66.4 years for females. Notably, female life expectancy exceeds that of males by over two years at birth and continues to do so into older age.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The decline in life expectancy correlates with an alarming increase in registered deaths during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. Deaths rose from 8.1 million in 2020 to 10.2 million in 2021, with approximately 0.6 million attributed to COVID-19. The pandemic severely impacted younger age groups, particularly those aged 25-34, where diseases of the circulatory system and COVID-19 were leading causes of death.
Increase in Death Rates
The total registered deaths in India saw a staggering increase of 26% from 2020 to 2021. States such as Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra experienced spikes in mortality rates. This trend contrasts sharply with the declining death rates observed in previous decades.
Health Issues and Causes of Death
The rise in mortality is not solely due to COVID-19. Deaths from respiratory diseases surged from 181,160 in 2020 to 305,191 in 2021. Similarly, deaths from diseases of the circulatory system increased from 580,751 to 714,072. The data also shows a rise in deaths classified under symptoms, signs, and abnormal clinical findings.
Government Reports and Research
The Registrar General of India published these findings through various reports, including the Sample Registration System-based Abridged Life Tables and the Vital Statistics of India. These reports shed light on the changing health landscape in India and the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Regional Variations in Life Expectancy
Life expectancy trends reveal regional disparities. States like Odisha and Himachal Pradesh recorded the highest annual increases in life expectancy, while Haryana and Kerala showed minimal improvements. These variations highlight the need for targeted health interventions across different states.
Future Implications
The decline in life expectancy raises concerns about public health and healthcare systems in India. It puts stress on the necessity for improved healthcare access and preventive measures to counteract the adverse effects of pandemics and other health crises.
Questions for UPSC:
- Examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public health in India.
- Critically discuss the regional disparities in life expectancy across India.
- Analyse the leading causes of death in India during the pandemic years.
- Estimate the long-term effects of increased mortality rates on India’s demographic trends.
Answer Hints:
1. Examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public health in India.
- Significant increase in registered deaths from 8.1 million in 2020 to 10.2 million in 2021.
- Approximately 0.6 million deaths attributed to COVID-19, affecting younger age groups the most.
- Rise in deaths from diseases of circulatory systems and respiratory diseases during the pandemic.
- Overall mortality rates increased by 26% during the peak pandemic year.
- Public health systems faced unprecedented strain, necessitating urgent healthcare reforms.
2. Critically discuss the regional disparities in life expectancy across India.
- Delhi has the highest male life expectancy at 73 years; Kerala leads for females at 77.9 years.
- Chhattisgarh records the lowest life expectancy, with males at 62.8 years and females at 66.4 years.
- Female life expectancy exceeds male life expectancy by over two years at birth.
- States like Odisha and Himachal Pradesh show improvements, while Haryana and Kerala lag behind.
- Regional variations highlight the need for targeted health interventions and policy adjustments.
3. Analyse the leading causes of death in India during the pandemic years.
- Diseases of the circulatory system and COVID-19 were the top two causes of death in younger age groups.
- Deaths from respiratory diseases surged , indicating worsening health conditions.
- Total registered deaths increased, with COVID-19 accounting for 17.3% of the total in 2021.
- Excess deaths beyond COVID-19 indicate underlying health issues exacerbated by the pandemic.
- Trends suggest a shift in public health focus towards chronic diseases and pandemic preparedness.
4. Estimate the long-term effects of increased mortality rates on India’s demographic trends.
- Increased mortality rates could lead to a decline in life expectancy, affecting population growth.
- Higher death rates may result in an aging population with fewer young people to support it.
- Potential strain on healthcare systems and increased demand for elder care services.
- Long-term economic implications due to a reduced workforce and increased healthcare costs.
- Shifts in demographic policies may be necessary to address changing population dynamics.
