A recent Lancet study, “Changing life expectancy in European countries 1990–2021: a subanalysis of causes and risk factors from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021,” has spotlighted Norway’s exceptional performance in life expectancy gains compared to its European peers. While many Western European nations experienced a slowdown in improvements, Norway continues to break the trend.
European life expectancy trends
The study examined life expectancy at birth across 20 Western European countries over a 31-year period. It found that although every country in the study recorded an increase in life expectancy, the rate of improvement slowed significantly after 2011 in all nations except Norway. An earlier version of the story mistakenly claimed that Norway was the only European country with rising life expectancy. The corrected version clarifies:
“All countries in this study, except Norway, experienced a decline in the increase of life expectancy after 2011, according to the study, writes The Lancet.”
This literal translation of the direct quote underscores Norway’s singular trend amidst a continent-wide plateau.
Norway’s remarkable longevity
Norway’s ability to sustain a higher rate of growth in life expectancy sets it apart from both its European counterparts and its Nordic neighbors. The study’s timeframe (1990–2021) highlights that while other nations began to see a diminished pace of increase long before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Norway defied this trend.
This remarkable performance may be attributed to various factors such as robust public health policies, a high standard of living, and continuous investments in healthcare and preventive measures.
Life Expectancy in the Nordics
The Nordic region is renowned for its comprehensive welfare systems and quality of life, with countries like Sweden, Denmark, and Finland frequently cited for their strong social and healthcare infrastructures.
However, the Lancet study reveals that despite these advantages, these nations have not matched Norway’s sustained life expectancy growth. While Sweden, Denmark, and Finland also benefit from effective healthcare and social policies, their improvements have decelerated in recent years.
Norway in the European spotlight
Recent figures from Statistisk sentralbyrå (SSB) reinforce the study’s findings. In 2023, life expectancy in Norway reached 81.4 years for men and 84.6 years for women, underscoring the country’s leading position in the European landscape of longevity. These statistics not only highlight Norway’s current achievements but also hint at the potential benefits of its public health strategies over the long term.
In Sweden, the average life expectancy is approximately 81.0 years for men and 84.0 years for women. Denmark reports averages of around 79.5 years for men and 82.5 years for women, while Finland‘s figures are close to 80.0 years for men and 83.5 years for women.
