Cuba Top-Ranking in Life Expectancy

Havana, Jan. 8, 2006.  (AIN) Cubans -with a life expectancy 77- are among people in 24 countries in the world with the longest life spans, said the director of the island's Older Adult Program, Enrique Vega.

In statements to the AIN news agency, Vega highlighted the support provided by the government to that program, whose main objective is to promote quality longevity - achieving optimum conditions of health and well-being that permit the adaptation of elderly people to modern society.

The Cuban doctor also discussed work in Cuba to extend life expectancy to over 80, rates reached only by Sweden and Japan.

Vega is participating in the International Workshop on Life Expectancy taking place in Havana. The event has gathered experts from the US, Mexico, Canada, France, North Ireland, and representatives from the Cuban, Pan-American and World Health Organizations.

Before the Cuban Revolution, life expectancy was under 60. Today, almost 20 years have been added thanks to decreased infant and maternal mortality rates and due to a vaccination campaign carried out by the government against 13 diseases. 

At present in Cuba more than 500,000 are over 80 and more than 2,000 people are over 100 years old.  

Currently, those people who reach age 75 are expected to live 10 additional years, and those who make it to 80 years are expected to live 7.6 more years. These statistics were noted as being remarkable even in first world nations and have no precedents in developing countries, said specialists.