Story perspectives

Life Expectancy Soars 20 Years; Youth Mortality Rises

10/13/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, published October 12, 2025 in The Lancet, shows life expectancy has risen more than 20 years since 1950.
Age-standardized mortality rates fell 67% across 204 countries.
Mortality among adolescents and young adults is rising due to suicide and substance abuse in North America and Latin America.
Non-communicable diseases now account for nearly two-thirds of global deaths, led by ischemic heart disease and diabetes.

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Story summary

Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, published October 12, 2025 in The Lancet, shows life expectancy has risen more than 20 years since 1950.
Age-standardized mortality rates fell 67% across 204 countries.
Mortality among adolescents and young adults is rising due to suicide and substance abuse in North America and Latin America.
Non-communicable diseases now account for nearly two-thirds of global deaths, led by ischemic heart disease and diabetes.