An elderly couple enjoy paintings at an art exhibition in Kochi. File photoNew Delhi: It is hardly a surprise but Kerala tops the chart when it comes to longevity. A Malayali lives up to 74.9 years on average, compared to the national average life expectancy of 70 years, the latest census report shows.
Women, it seems, live longer. On average they live up to 77.8 years in Kerala, compared to 72 years for men. At the national level, women’s average life expectancy is 71.9 years and men’s average life expectancy 68.3 years, data covering 2010-14 shows.
Kerala’s achievements in the social index is broadbased. Average life expectancy in rural areas stands at 74.9 years, the same as the total state average. Again the women lead on this front, living up to 78.1 years, while the figure is 71.7 years for men.
In urban Kerala, the average life expectancy is 75 years, women leading with 77.1 years and men with 72.7 years.
The perseverance of rural women in Kerala is remarkable when compared to the national trend. Urban women live longer than their rural counterparts in all states but Kerala. This unique achievement of Kerala is made possible by a vast network of hospitals and improvements in health care, experts say.
Across rural India, average life expectancy stands at 69 years, women living up to 70.9 years and men 67.3 years. An urban Indian can expect to live up to 72.6 years on average. Women in urban areas have a life expectancy of 74.4 years and men 71 years.
The report brought out by the Census Department based on data collected according to a sample registration system shows that Kerala has made huge strides in life expectancy. The first report covering 1970-75 showed Kerala had the highest longevity rate at 62 years on average. Forty years down the line, the state has added almost 15 years to the number.
Assam features at the bottom with 63.9 years of average life expectancy in the latest report. Uttar Pradesh had this dubious distinction 40 years ago – with 43 years.
