How is life expectancy defined?

Life expectancy is defined as a statistical measure that represents the average number of years that a person can expect to live, based on current mortality rates. Specifically, when discussing 'life expectancy at birth,' it indicates the average number of years a newborn is expected to live if current mortality trends continue. This concept provides valuable insights into the overall health and well-being of a population, reflecting factors such as healthcare quality, lifestyle, and socio-economic conditions.

The definition also highlights important public health implications, as improvements in healthcare and living conditions tend to increase life expectancy over time. Understanding life expectancy is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of health policies and resources dedicated to improving the health of communities.