Life Expectancy Calculator

Australia’s Top-Tier Longevity Rankings

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that Australia has the 3rd highest life expectancy in the world. A boy born today can expect to live to 81.2 years and a girl to 85.3 years. This success is attributed to low smoking rates and high-quality chronic disease management. Use this tool to see how your personal health choices align with these national averages and where you might 'gain' extra years through better habits.

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)

Addressing the Indigenous Longevity Gap

The AIHW highlights a significant 'gap' in life expectancy between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians (approx. 8-9 years). Closing the Gap initiatives focus on improving maternal health and reducing chronic disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. For those in these communities, our calculator provides context on the health markers that national programs are working to improve to ensure equal longevity for all Australians.

AIHW – Indigenous Health

Sun Safety and Skin Cancer Risks

With one of the highest rates of skin cancer globally, the Australian Department of Health emphasizes sun protection. While skin cancer is often treatable, severe cases can impact mortality. Integrating 'Slip, Slop, Slap' into your routine is a uniquely Australian factor for ensuring you reach your full life expectancy. Our tool considers your location and outdoor habits to reflect these specific environmental risks.

Cancer Council Australia

What are the main causes of death in Australia?

Cardiovascular disease, dementia, and various cancers remain the leading causes of death in Australia. However, mortality from heart disease has dropped significantly over the last 30 years due to better Medicare-funded treatments. This calculator tracks how addressing your personal risk factors for these conditions can statistically extend your life in the Australian context.

How does Medicare contribute to my life expectancy?

Medicare provides Australians with universal access to hospitals and subsidized medicines via the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme). This access ensures that even expensive life-saving treatments for conditions like cystic fibrosis or cancer are available to all, regardless of income. Our tool reflects the 'safety net' effect of the Australian system on overall population longevity.

Does living in a rural area change the result?

Yes, the AIHW notes that people living in remote and very remote areas of Australia generally have lower life expectancy than those in major cities due to limited specialist access and different environmental risks. Our calculator allows you to input your regionality to give a more realistic estimate of your projected years, considering the local healthcare infrastructure.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Maintaining a healthy BMI (18.5-24.9) is associated with lower risk of chronic diseases. Both underweight and obesity can reduce life expectancy by several years.

Physical Exercise

Regular exercise can add 3-7 years to your life. Even moderate physical activity, like 30 minutes of daily walking, significantly reduces all-cause mortality.

Diet Quality

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can add 2-4 years to your life. Mediterranean and plant-based diets show the greatest benefits.

Smoking

Smoking is the most significant avoidable lifestyle factor. Smokers lose an average of 10 years of life expectancy. Quitting smoking at any age provides substantial health benefits.

Alcohol Consumption

Heavy alcohol consumption can reduce life expectancy by 5+ years. Moderate consumption (1 drink/day for women, 2 for men) has neutral to slightly protective effects for heart disease.

Mortality Probability

This chart shows your cumulative probability of death at different ages. It is calculated using actuarial life tables adjusted by your personal lifestyle factors.

Top Causes of Death

The personalized causes of death are based on your country's mortality statistics, adjusted by your risk factors. For example, smokers see higher probability of lung cancer and heart disease.

Lifestyle Impact

The impact breakdown shows how each lifestyle factor affects your life expectancy. Positive numbers indicate years added; negative numbers indicate years lost compared to the population average.

How accurate is this calculation?

This calculator provides a statistical estimate based on population data and known lifestyle factors. Individual life expectancy varies due to genetics, healthcare access, environmental conditions, and other factors not captured here.

Why does my life expectancy differ from my country's average?

The national average includes people of all lifestyles and health conditions. Your personal lifestyle factors can add or subtract years from that average. For example, non-smokers with regular exercise typically exceed the national average.

Can I change my life expectancy?

Yes! While you cannot change your age or genetics, lifestyle factors account for a significant portion of life expectancy. Making positive changes at any age can improve both life expectancy and quality of life.

What data is used for this calculation?

We use life expectancy data from the World Health Organization for 15 countries, combined with lifestyle adjustments derived from large-scale epidemiological studies published in peer-reviewed medical journals.