life expectancy
Definition
Life expectancy is the average number of years an individual from a specific cohort is expected to live based on current mortality rates. It is a statistical measurement that reflects the overall health and well-being of a population.
Analogy
Think of life expectancy like the estimated battery life on your smartphone. Just as the estimate gives you an idea of how long your phone can run before it needs to be charged again, based on current usage patterns, life expectancy gives you an idea of how long people in a certain group are expected to live, based on current health conditions and medical advancements.
Related terms
Mortality Rate: The measure of the number of deaths in a particular population, scaled to the size of that population, per unit of time.
Aging Population: A demographic trend characterized by an increase in the proportion of elderly individuals within a society, leading to shifts in healthcare demands and social services.
Gerontology: The study of aging and the elderly, focusing on understanding the biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging
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