Fed: Australians living longer than most others in the world

AAP General News (Australia)
12-18-2003
Fed: Australians living longer than most others in the world

The World Health Organisation has revealed Australians are living longer than the citizens
of almost every other nation on earth.

In its World Health Report 2003, the organisation says the average Australian life
expectancy for a baby born last year rose to 80.4 years, from 79.4 years in 2000.

Women continue to outlive men, with girls born in Australia last year expected to live
to 83 years of age, while boys will only manage 77.9.

The figures place Australia among the top six nations for longevity.

Japanese people can expect to live longer than any other, with an average life expectancy
of 81.9 years, followed by Monaco, Switzerland and San Marino.

Sweden's average life expectancy equals that of Australia.

At the other end of the spectrum, a baby born in the African nation of Sierra Leone
can expect to live just 34 years.

AAP RTV kbw/rca/jas

KEYWORD: EXPECTANCY (SYDNEY)

2003 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.