Cuba among Top 30 in Life Expectancy CUBA, 9 May, 2007.- Life expectancy in Cuba (77 years) is among the top 30 countries according to statistics released at an international seminar in Havana on care of the elderly. Included in the countries with the longest life expectancy are Japan (81.6), Sweden (80.1), Hong Kong, Spain and Australia (over 79), New Zealand and Costa Rica (over 78), the United States (77.1) and Cuba along with 17 other nations (77 years). Enrique Vega, a regional consultant on aging and health from the Pan American Health Organization, highlighted the commitment of the Cuban government, which puts great emphasis on human development. Vega said Cuba has accomplished marvels with its diverse programs for the elderly, considered to be 15.9 percent of the total population. (Cubaminrex-Granma) |