What role does life expectancy play in measuring economic growth?

Life expectancy is a key indicator of economic growth, reflecting improvements in healthcare, living conditions and income levels.

Life expectancy is often used as a proxy for the overall health of a population, which is directly linked to economic growth. In a thriving economy, individuals typically have access to better healthcare, nutrition, and living conditions, which can significantly increase life expectancy. Conversely, in struggling economies, life expectancy can be lower due to inadequate healthcare, poor nutrition, and substandard living conditions.

Moreover, life expectancy is also linked to productivity. Longer life spans often mean longer working lives, which can lead to increased output and economic growth. Economies with higher life expectancies tend to have a larger workforce that can contribute to economic activities for a longer period. This can lead to a higher Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a common measure of economic growth.

However, it's important to note that while life expectancy can indicate economic growth, it doesn't always directly cause it. For instance, a country might have a high life expectancy due to factors unrelated to economic growth, such as a favourable climate or genetic factors. Similarly, economic growth doesn't always lead to increased life expectancy, especially if the wealth generated isn't distributed equitably or used to improve public services like healthcare.

Furthermore, life expectancy can also be used to measure the quality of economic growth. If economic growth is accompanied by improvements in life expectancy, it suggests that the growth is inclusive and is benefiting the population at large. On the other hand, if economic growth occurs without improvements in life expectancy, it may indicate that the growth is not being shared equitably or that it's not leading to improvements in living standards.

In conclusion, life expectancy plays a multifaceted role in measuring economic growth. It serves as an indicator of the overall health and wellbeing of a population, reflects the productivity potential of an economy, and provides insights into the quality and inclusivity of economic growth.