Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
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.
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.