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Brazilians' life expectancy, which currently stands at 70.4 years, should be prolonged to 81.3 years in 2050, basically the same level as in present-day Japan, which leads the global longevity ranking.
Brazil is 89th on the list based on estimates for 2000, according to a survey of 192 nations conducted by the United Nations (UN). Around the globe, the UN calculated life expectancy at 65 years in 2000 and 74.3 years in 2045-2050.
These data are drawn from "Brazilian Population Projections by Sex and Age for the Period 1980-2050, 2004 Revision," released on August 30 by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE).
According to the study, the increase in the average Brazilian life span is due to medical advances and improvements in the general living conditions of the population.
"In 1940 Brazilians' average life span was 45.5 years; 40 years later this expectation had risen 17 years," the publication states.
For its part, the infant mortality rate in Brazil continues to fall, as a result of mass vaccination campaigns, prenatal examinations, breast-feeding, and health services provided by community agents.
In 1970 the country registered around 100 deaths for every group of 1000 live births. By 2000 this rate had fallen to 30 deaths per 1000, which is still high by Southern Cone standards.
The comparable rates in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay are 21, 12, and 15, respectively. Among the 192 UN member states, Brazil ranks 100 on this index.
The study points out that, beginning in 1980, violent deaths started to affect the age structure of mortality rates, particularly for young, adult males.
In 2000, for example, the mortality rate among young people in the 20-24 age bracket was four times greater among males than females.
Agência Brasil
Reporter: Cristiane Ribeiro
Translator: David Silberstein
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