Average life expectancy in Taiwan hit an all-time high in 2019, reflecting a sustained upward trend in longevity, the Ministry of the Interior said Aug. 5.
The national average rose nine weeks from last year to 80.86 years, with increases of seven weeks to 77.69 years for men and nine weeks to 84.23 years for women.
MOI data also reveals that the number of overall deaths saw a year-on-year rise of 2,846 to 175,546.
Compared with other countries and territories in the region, Taiwan’s average life span is longer than that of Thailand, 77.1; China, 76.9; Vietnam, 75.4; and Malaysia, 74.5; but shorter than Japan, 84.6; Singapore, 83.6; and South Korea, 83, according to the MOI report.
In terms of the country’s municipalities, northern Taiwan’s Taipei City topped the list at 83.86 years, followed by New Taipei City, 81.52; Hsinchu City, 81.43; and Taoyuan City, 81.09; as well as central Taiwan’s Taichung City, 80.83.
The statistics also show the country’s average life expectancy has increased by a total of 96 weeks over the past decade, while that of men and women over the same period rose 86 and 98 weeks, respectively.
According to the MOI, Taiwan’s steady uptrend in longevity reflects significant improvements in the country’s living environment and medical care, as well as rising public awareness regarding the importance of food safety and physical activity. (YCH-E)
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