Global Life Expectancy Back to 73 Years, But Dementia Now 5th Killer: WHO

By Jagjagran | 3 October 2026

There's good news and worrying news about the world's health. On 2 October 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) released new data showing global life expectancy has bounced back to nearly pre-pandemic levels. But the same report reveals a troubling shift: dementia has surged to become the 5th leading cause of death worldwide.

Here's what the numbers show.

THE GOOD NEWS: WE'RE LIVING LONGER AGAIN

Global life expectancy reached 73.3 years in 2023 — almost back to the 73.4 years recorded in 2019, before COVID-19 struck.

Even better, COVID-19 dropped out of the top 10 causes of death for the first time since the pandemic, falling from 1st place in 2021 to 14th in 2023.

THE WORRYING NEWS: NEW KILLERS ARE RISING

The report shows a major shift toward non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which now cause 74% of all deaths worldwide.

The top causes of death in 2023:

1. Heart disease (about 9.5 million deaths)

2. Stroke

3. COPD (lung disease)

4. Lower respiratory infections

5. Alzheimer's and other dementias

The standout shock: dementia jumped from 19th place in 2000 to 5th place in 2023, with deaths tripling.

THE HIDDEN CATCH: LIVING LONGER, NOT HEALTHIER

Here's the sting. While we're living longer, we're not necessarily living healthier. "Healthy life expectancy" (years lived in good health) reached 62.8 years — still below pre-pandemic levels.

Mental health is also deteriorating: healthy years lost to anxiety disorders rose nearly 45% between 2019 and 2023.

WHO's Dr Alain Labrique said: "Living longer is one of the great achievements of public health. The next challenge is to ensure that those additional years are lived in good health."

WHY IT MATTERS FOR INDIA

The report flags a specific warning for South-East Asia, which includes India: "the risk of dying from diabetes has risen substantially since 2000, particularly in South-East Asia." Heart disease risk is also climbing in the region.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The world has recovered from COVID's blow to life expectancy — a real achievement. But a new battle is here: chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and dementia are now the biggest threats. The goal is no longer just living longer, but living healthier.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What is the global life expectancy now?

A: 73.3 years in 2023, nearly back to the pre-pandemic level of 73.4 years (2019).

Q: What are the top causes of death worldwide?

A: Heart disease, stroke, COPD, respiratory infections, and — newly in 5th place — dementia.

Q: What does this mean for India?

A: WHO flags rising death risk from diabetes and heart disease, particularly in South-East Asia.

Sources: World Health Organization (WHO Global Health Estimates, 2 October 2026), UN News.