ON Sept 30, the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) disclosed that life expectancy at birth across all Malaysian ethnic groups is 74.8 years, with males at 72.5 years and females at 77.4 years.
In comparison, the lowest life expectancy is among Indian males at 67.6 years, and Chinese females the highest at 80.2 years.
As usual, the media reported on the latest annual life expectancy figures. Some reports were accurate while others were misleading and likely to generate confusion among the public.
One example is the statement: “From the statistics, it could be seen that life expectancy in the country had been on the rise again as people adapted to the pandemic.”
However, what DOSM had stated was that a baby born in 2024 on average is expected to live until 75.2 years. It has nothing to do with those born earlier or has survived the pandemic.
Similar to premiums payable for whole life insurance policies, life expectancy can also be calculated using data collected across a very long time-frame.
For example, life expectancy for people born here in 1950 was 52.8 years. Those to be born in 2050 will be 80.46 years, and those in 2100 will be 86.62 years.
As for myself, I have already surpassed my life expectancy by more than 21 years. In any case, about half will die before reaching their life expectancy and the other half will continue to live, as life expectancy is based on average age, not the maximum age one is expected to live.
Other misleading reports were: “In Terengganu, Kuala Nerus recorded the best average age at 74.2 years, whereas Setiu had the worst at 71. On the morbid end, Kuala Penyu in Sabah consecutively recorded the lowest average life expectancy at 63.4 years from 2022 to this year.”
It is as if people are like trees, permanently planted to where they were born. If so, their life expectancy would be correct. But if they were to relocate to another district, state or country, their life expectancy will change and be more in line with the local inhabitants.
Sadly, many people continue to remain backward and insular for lacking the courage to embrace changes and made worse by inbreeding, not just physically but also intellectually.
They rather seek comfort among themselves by dressing and acting the same and adopting a herd mentality. They have a disdain for others and often consider themselves superior.
It may be good to have a long life if one is healthy, but it is better to live a more enlightened one. The best way is to travel with the eyes and ears wide open and be exposed to different sights, sounds and lifestyles.
For those living life to the fullest, the world continues to be a happy place but those with a closed mind and heart will experience a different universe, although both may share the same birth year, location and life expectancy. – Oct 3, 2024
