Turkey: Life expectancy at birth reaches over 78 years

ANKARA

As of 2016-2018 the average life expectancy at birth for Turkish citizens reached 78.3 years, with women living 5.4 years longer than men, according to a new report.

This year's estimated life expectancy at birth inched up from last year's figure of 78 years, as calculated by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat).

Life expectancy at birth was 75.6 years for men and 81 years for women, in a gap somewhat larger than the worldwide female-male life expectancy gap, said TurkStat.

"For 15-year-olds, the minimum working age, the average remaining life expectancy was 64.4 years overall, 61.7 years for men and 67.1 years for women," it said.

The average remaining life expectancy at age 30 was 49.8 years and at age 50 was 30.7 years, TurkStat added.

"For 65-year-olds, the average remaining life span was 17.9 years overall, 16.2 years for men and 19.4 years for women.

"In other words, for 65-year-olds, women are expected to live 3.2 years more than men, on average," it said.

The institute noted that life tables -- also known as mortality tables -- explain in detail the probabilities of mortality and duration of survival at any age of the population.

By helping to improve demographic and social statistics in the country, TurkStat said its objective is to produce reliable, sustainable, and updated life tables for Turkey overall and for all 81 of its provinces.