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Technology and economic growth contribute to increased life spans
Canadians are living longer than at any other time in history- a remarkable 80.7 years on average (Statistics Canada, 2010). The dramatic gains in life expectancy1 in modern times reflect the transformative powers of human ingenuity and the resilience of nature.
In just the past half-century, the average Canadian has gained 12 years of life (figure 1).
From a statistical standpoint, this record life expectancy represents fewer infant deaths and the increased longevity of seniors. The rate of infant mortality2 has fallen by 50% in the past 25 years, from 10.9 per 1,000 live births in 1979 to 5.4 per 1,000 live births in 2005 (Statistics Canada, 2008b). In the early 180Os, fewer than 30% of the population of Canada lived to their 65th birthday (Statistics Canada, 1997). Today, the average 65 year-old woman in Canada can expect to live an additional 2 1.3 years, and her male counterpart can look forward to another 18.1 years (Statistics Canada, 2010).
More broadly, we are living longer because of stunning scientific and technological progress. The advent of modern pharmaceuticals, diagnostic tools, and vaccines, as well as chlorination, insecticides, and refrigeration, has helped to reduce the female mortality rate3 (age adjusted) by a whopping 52% since the 1950s, while the male mortality rate has dropped by 39% (Statistics Canada, 2001).
Evidence abounds that improved living standards are both a cause and consequence of societal wealth (Statistics Canada, 2002a). Higher incomes increase access to goods and services that promote robust health (Bloom and Canning, 2000). In turn, healthier people are more productive and innovative, generating even more wealth.
Indeed, researcher M. Harvey Brenner characterizes economic growth as "the single most important factor relating to length of life" (Yale University, 2002). Brenner concludes that "the lower the employment rate, the more damaging, and full employment equals lower mortality rates."
That conclusion is certainly borne out...