The expected lifespan of Danes is once again on the rise after a two-year decline. New calculations from the Labor Market Supplementary Pension (Arbejdsmarkedets Tillægspension – ATP) indicate that Danes can now expect to live 4.6 months longer. This marks a significant improvement, particularly after the recent years in which life expectancy fell due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Camilla Fredsgaard Larsen, chief actuary at ATP, describes the increase as remarkable and much-needed. On the women’s side, the last comparable increase in life expectancy dates back to 1996. “The progress in 2023 is notable, but also essential after two years of declining lifespans,” she states.

The noteworthy improvements in life expectancy that ATP had previously predicted year after year were absent during the pandemic. Although the increase is now evident, the pace of improvement is slower than it was a decade ago. “Thus, 2023 has become a turning point,” continues Camilla Fredsgaard Larsen. “Now, the declines from recent years have been compensated, so Denmark has returned to the life expectancy levels we had in 2020.”

Forecasts for the future also look promising. According to ATP, a 30-year-old man in 2024 can expect to live to be 89, while a woman of the same age can anticipate living to 92. For those who are 60 years old in 2024, men are expected to live to 86 years old and women to 89 years old.

As a result, Danes can once again look forward to longer lives, marking an important milestone following the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.