Life Expectancy by Year: How Global Lifespan Has Evolved Over Time
Tracking life expectancy by year reveals more than just numbers—it tells the story of human perseverance and innovation. From the harsh realities of life in 1800, where the average lifespan was just 30–40 years, to today’s global average of 73.5 years, each shift in life expectancy reflects our ability to overcome pandemics, wars, and environmental challenges. In 1920, life expectancy saw only modest gains due to the devastation of World War I and the Spanish flu, but it also marked the beginning of significant advancements in medicine, sanitation, and public health.