The Burrow
Nov 19, 2021
Good news! If you reach 65 years old, you could live longer than first predicted.
That’s according to recent OECD data reporting that life expectancy at birth and life expectancy at age 65 give different projections.
In this article, we’ve revealed how long each citizen in each of the 38 OECD member countries can expect to live – both from birth and once they reach the age of 65.
| Women | Men | |
| 1 | Mexico – 5.6 | Mexico – 9.4 |
| 2 | Colombia – 5.0 | Colombia – 8.8 |
| 3 | United States – 4.4 | Lithuania – 8.5 |
Out of the 38 OECD member countries, Mexico recorded the biggest jump in life expectancy for both women and men. From birth, Mexican women can expect to live to 78.0. However, once they reach age 65, their life expectancy rises to 83.6 (5.6 years). Mexican men go from 72.2 to 81.6 (9.4 years).
| Women | Men | |
| 1 | Italy – 2.1 | Norway – 3.2 |
| 2 | Japan – 2.1 | Sweden – 3.2 |
| 3 | Korea – 2.1 | Switzerland – 3.3 |
| 4 | Switzerland – 2.1 |
Italian, Japanese, Korean and Swiss women all live an average 2.1 years longer once they hit age 65. For men, Norway and Sweden recorded the lowest increase. While these countries don’t make a big jump, it’s likely due to their already high life expectancies – so it’s not all bad.
1. OECD data. Life expectancy at birth. Men. Women. Years. 2020 or latest available (accessed 30 July 2020).
2. OECD data. Life expectancy at 65. Men. Women. Years. 2020 or latest available (accessed 30 July 2020).