South Korean Women May Live Longer than 90 on Average
Imperial College London and the World Health Organization analyzed the average life expectancies in 35 industrialized countries; their research was then published in The Lancet. Their analysis predicted that people would be living longer by 2030. Moreover, they conclude that the lifespan disparity between men and women will decrease in most countries.
Out of all the countries studied, South Korea stood out the most. The study projects that women in South Korea will be the first to live longer than an average of 90 years. Using a mathematical model blending 21 forecasts, the study suggests that women born in 2030 have a 57% chance of meeting the +90 longevity mark.
Compared to other industrialized countries, South Korean women generally smoke less, weigh less, and have lower blood pressure. Additionally, they tend to visit the doctor more because most have health insurance. “South Korea has gotten a lot of things right,” Professor Majid Ezzati told the BBC News website. “They seem to have been a more equal place, and things that have benefited people – education, nutrition – have benefited most people. And so far, they are better at dealing with hypertension and have some of the lowest obesity rates in the world.”
United States Falls Far Behind South Korea
As countries continue to move forward in terms of life expectancy, the U.S. falls far behind. American men and women are in 23rd and 27th place, respectively. By 2030, the U.S. is on course to have the lowest life expectancy among wealthy countries. With a predicted average age of 80 for men and 83 for women, the U.S. will rank alongside Mexico and Croatia.
Whereas South Korean citizens have one of the lowest obesity rates in the world, the U.S. has an obesity epidemic. Moreover, unlike South Korea and other industrialized countries in Eastern Europe, the U.S. places little focus on preventative care. There’s also a relatively high mortality rate among babies of uninsured mothers, as well as a high death rate among men from gunshot wounds and car accidents.
“[United States is] almost opposite of South Korea,” added Prof Ezzati. “[Society in the US is] very unequal to an extent the whole national performance is affected – it is the only country without universal health insurance.” Interestingly, the U.S. is the first country to stop growing taller. This fact may be indicative of early life nutrition, says Ezzati.
Ultimately, the increase in life expectancy stems from the improvements in healthcare for those over 65 in many of the countries studied. Prof Ezzati said, “Places that perform well do so by investing in their health system and making sure it reaches everyone.” If healthcare is the solution to longevity, then the current healthcare crisis in America does not bode well for U.S. citizens.
Health Insurance
First and foremost, health and longevity are connected to political events. Take Eastern Europe, for instance. Their progress followed the collapse of the Soviet Union. Africa is another example. When introduced to antibiotics, Africa’s health rose, but then plummeted with the spread of AIDS. As donors pay for AIDS drugs, the life expectancy in Africa is once again rising.
With the influence of political events in mind, it’s important to note that America’s current healthcare crisis will significantly impact overall health. The Trump administration’s decision regarding the status of Obamacare may ultimately affect the long-term health of American citizens.
Because the current political climate regarding healthcare is confusing and complicated, help is needed. Reach out to a licensed agent today. Not only can an agent keep you informed, but they can also help you find a health insurance plan that fits your needs.
Pathways to Longer Life Expectancy in the U.S.
While projections place the U.S. far behind other wealthy nations by 2030, experts emphasize that targeted public health strategies could help reverse the trend. Expanding access to preventive care is among the most critical steps. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 75% of U.S. healthcare spending goes toward preventable chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity-related conditions. Strengthening preventive measures—like routine screenings, nutrition counseling, and community health programs—would reduce both costs and mortality rates.
Tackling the obesity epidemic is another essential factor. Research from the National Institutes of Health shows that modest reductions in obesity prevalence could significantly increase life expectancy while lowering the national healthcare burden. Policies encouraging healthier diets, greater access to fresh foods, and opportunities for physical activity could drive this improvement.
Universal access to healthcare remains one of the most powerful predictors of longer lifespans. Countries with comprehensive coverage, such as South Korea and Japan, consistently outperform the U.S. in life expectancy rankings. A study published in Health Affairs highlights that uninsured Americans face higher mortality rates due to delayed care and limited treatment options. Expanding insurance coverage would close these gaps and ensure timely interventions for millions.
Finally, addressing social determinants of health—such as education, housing stability, and economic opportunity—will be vital. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that these factors influence as much as 50% of health outcomes, meaning improvements in equality and living conditions could translate directly into longer, healthier lives.
If the U.S. prioritizes prevention, expands access to care, and invests in healthier communities, it could still alter its trajectory and achieve significant gains in life expectancy by 2030.
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This article was updated on September 19, 2025.