Where Are Mortality Rates Lowest?

Aussie Naomi Watts is perfect and she'll probably outlive us all. Image by Josh Jensen via Flickr

Let’s say you’re a single, straight woman seeking the best odds of finding a long, long, long-term relationship. Wait for the ash cloud to thin and head for Iceland.

And if you’re male and want a lovely mate with the statistically best chance at longevity? Move to Cyprus.

Men aged 15-49 and women in the same bracket have the lowest risk of death before reaching 60 in, respectively, Australia and Cyprus. That’s according to a new study led by Dr. Christopher Murray of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation in the University of Washington.

As a global average, mortality rates over the last 40 years have fallen 34% for women and 19% for men. However, death rates for pretty much anyone living in countries suffering heavily from HIV infection (a lot of African nations, for example) and/or social upheaval (former Soviet nations), have increased, according to the study.

Sub-Saharan Africa death rates have reached levels not seen in the so-called rich countries since 1751 in Sweden.

Interestingly, the risk of dying for men worldwide actually rose from 1990 to 1995, when it started being a little safer to be male again. Mortality risks kept falling through the four decades for women.

In terms of the pace at which mortality rates are declining, Aussies of any gender are improving faster than just about anyone. South Korean women also are experiencing particularly steeper mortality rates.

The report’s summary made available to reporters is all but mute about mortality and the US. It notes disparagingly that the pace at which female death rates have fallen annually is less than 1.5%.

The entire report is scheduled to be posted later tonight at TheLancet.com. Here’s hoping you’re around to take a peek.