Malaysians expected to live till age of 79.9 in 2040

A new scientific study of forecasts and alternative scenarios for life expectancy and major causes of death in 2040 shows all countries are likely to experience at least a slight increase in lifespans.

The study, published today in the international medical journal The Lancet, revealed that Malaysia, with an average life expectancy of 75.6 years in 2016, ranked 75th among 195 nations.

If health trends continue, it is expected to jump to 60th place in 2040, with an average life expectancy of 79.9 years - an increase of 4.3 years.

In a better health scenario, the life expectancy of Malaysians could increase by as much as 6.9 years, to 82.5 years. However in a worse health scenario, life expectancy may only increase by 0.2 years.

In addition, the study also projected a significant increase in deaths from non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic kidney disease, and lung cancer, as well as worsening health outcomes linked to obesity.

In 2016, the top 10 causes of premature death in Malaysia were:

#1 Ischemic heart disease

#2 Lower respiratory infections

#3 Stroke

#4 Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia

#5 Road injuries

#6 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

#7 Tracheal, bronchus, and lung cancer

#8 Diabetes mellitus

#9 Chronic kidney disease

#10 Colon and rectum cancer

In 2040, however, the leading causes are expected to be:

#1 Ischemic heart disease

#2 Lower respiratory infections

#3 Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia

#4 Stroke

#5 Chronic kidney disease

#6 Diabetes mellitus

#7 Tracheal, bronchus, and lung cancer

#8 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

#9 Colon and rectum cancer

#10 Liver cancer

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