Mexicans are living longer, but not better. UNAM researchers warn that the increase in life expectancy does not translate into well-being.
Does living longer mean living better? Experts from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) warn that, although life expectancy in Mexico has increased, poor health quality and regional disparities are preventing genuine well-being.
Life Expectancy in Mexico: Living More Years, But With Less Health
Over the past three decades, Mexicans have seen an increase in life expectancy, yet their health has not improved. Persistent inequalities in the quality of life exist between different territories and genders, noted Professor Marcela Agudelo of UNAM’s School of Medicine and coordinator of the Center for Research in Policies, Population and Health (CIPPS). ‘The health system’s performance has not succeeded in reducing these gaps, which indicates structural limitations in access and quality of care. It is not enough for health systems to exist — what matters is the quality of the services they provide,’ she noted.
Inequality Gaps: Structural Failings of the Health System
To address these inequalities, Agudelo called for ‘differentiated policies’ that adapt to the epidemiological and social profiles of the various states of the Mexican Republic. She also drew attention to the persistence of non-communicable diseases, alongside an increase in external causes of death such as homicide, suicide, and firearm-related death or disability.
According to the figures she presented, from 1990 to 2021, Mexican mortality from communicable conditions — including respiratory diseases — rose by 50.3%. However, non-communicable conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases fell by 16.8%, even though they remain the leading causes of death in the country. During the same period, life expectancy increased by 6.7%, although this ‘did not necessarily translate into conditions of well-being.’ Mexico also records the highest mortality rate from avoidable causes among OECD countries
Source: INFORMADOR.MX
