A 70-year-old woman, on average, can expect to live for about 15 to 17 more years, reaching an average age of around 85 to 87, depending on the country and specific data set, with figures showing about 16.8 years remaining in the U.S. (Social Security Administration) and 18.3 years in Australia, though these are averages and vary with health and lifestyle.
The top two causes of death for senior citizens in 2023 were heart diseases and cancer at 935.7 and 778.7 deaths per 100,000 people, respectively, according to provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The Three Biggest Indicators of Longevity: Strength, Muscle Mass, and VO2 Max. When it comes to living a longer, healthier life, few factors are as crucial as physical fitness.
Key statistics
Life expectancy at birth was 81.1 years for males and 85.1 years for females in 2022–2024, reflecting no change for either males or females from the previous year (2021–2023).
Finally, children born today will live longer than any other generation. About two-thirds will live past 80, and one-third past 90. Almost one in 10 girls born now will live past 100.
Most health systems recognize either 55 or 65 as advanced, given that the official age of retirement in the US is 66 years and 2 months. Older adults between the ages of 65 and 74 are often characterized as being early elderly and those who are 75 years of age and older are often referred to as being late elderly.
Certain lifestyle habits can negatively affect your physical and mental health, shortening your potential lifespan.
For females, dementia including Alzheimer's disease was the leading cause of death, accounting for 10,574 (12%) deaths, followed by coronary heart disease.
In addition, articles comparing life expectancy of athletes compared to that of nonathletes were reviewed. Results of 13 studies describing eight different cohorts suggest that regular physical activity is associated with an increase of life expectancy by 0.4 to 6.9 years.
A peanut butter and jelly sandwich (PB&J) adds about 33 minutes to your healthy lifespan per serving, according to a University of Michigan study that measured life expectancy impacts of over 5,850 foods using the Health Nutritional Index (HNI). This sandwich tops the list for adding time, with nuts and seeds also being highly beneficial (around 25 mins) and processed items like hot dogs subtracting time.
Healthy aging looks like being intentional about the food we put in our bodies, a great exercise routine that involves strength, flexibility, and functional movement. It looks like great consolidated and restful sleep, hormonal balance, stress management, and positive relationships.”
Exercise capacity has been shown to be the strongest predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular death in elderly individuals, those with hypertension, and those that are obese. 2.
The studies claim that death anxiety peaks in men and women when in their 20s, but after this group, sex plays a role in the path that one takes. Either sex can experience a decline in death concerns with age, but the studies show an unexpected second spike in women during their early 50s.
But the body tries valiantly. The first organ system to “close down” is the digestive system.
Dementia is one of the most feared conditions among Australian health service consumers, second only to cancer.
4 Top Ways to Live Longer
Most deaths in Australia, like other developed countries, occur among older people (Figure 2.1). Sixty-eight per cent of deaths registered in Australia in 2023 were among people aged 75 or over (63% for males and 74% for females). The median age at death was 79.6 years for males and 84.6 years for females (Table S2.
At age 70, staying active, engaged, and mentally stimulated is key to maintaining health and quality of life. A balanced daily routine might include: Physical activity: Gentle exercise like walking, stretching, or yoga supports mobility, strength, and heart health.
Alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can dehydrate and damage your skin over time, leading to signs of premature aging. Poor sleep: Studies show that low quality (or not enough) sleep makes your cells age faster. Stress: When you're stressed, your brain pumps out cortisol, a stress hormone.
“Smoking is one of the most harmful things people can do to themselves,” Dr. Maniar says. Blood flow drops, slashing oxygen that fuels the heart, which compensates by spiking blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm, and can lead to hardened and narrowed arteries and blood clots causing cardiovascular disease.
4 body parts that age faster than you think
The 40s and 50s
Both fluctuations can result in lower energy levels, feeling lethargic, and less muscle mass. Again, the 40s and 50s impact people differently, with some noticing fewer effects than others. However, during this stage, people will usually notice they're "getting old".
What makes your face look older? Loss of collagen, sun damage, repetitive facial expressions, poor skincare, and unhealthy lifestyle choices contribute to an aged appearance.