-
49.2
At the start of the 20th century, average life expectancy at birth was 49.2 years. -
51.5
At the beginning of the 1910s, average life expectancy at birth was 51.5 years. -
WW1 & Spanish Influenza
In the aftermath of the devastating effects of World War One and the Spanish Inflenza, it is estimated that global average life expectancy dropped by up to 10 years. -
56.4
At the beginning of the 1920s, average life expectancy at birth was 56.4. -
Antibiotics
On September 3rd 1928, Professor Alexander Flemming accidently discovered antibiotics. This heavily impacted the increase of life expectancy. -
59.2
At the beginning of the 1930s, average life expectancy at birth was 59.2. -
63.6
At the beginning of the 1940s, average life expectancy at birth was 63.6. -
68.1
At the beginning of the 1950s, average life expectancy at birth was 68.1. -
69.9
At the beginning of the 1960s, average life expectancy at birth was 69.9. -
Vaccines in Schools
From 1960-1970 schools around the world started making mandatory vaccinations. -
70.8
At the beginning of the 1970s, average life expectancy at birth was 70.8. -
Smallpox eradicted
After claiming 300-500 million lives, smallpox was the first disease to be wiped out by human efforts. this was because of the smallpox vaccine discovered by Edward Jenner -
73.9
At the beginning of the 1980s, average life expectancy at birth was 73.9. -
75.4
At the beginning of the 1990s, average life expectancy at birth was 75.4. -
78.1
At the beginning of the 2000s, average life expectancy at birth was 78.1. -
80.3
At the beginning of ththis year, average life expectancy at birth was 80.3.
