South Africa's Life Expectancy: A Growing Concern
Life expectancy in South Africa is facing a concerning decline, primarily attributed to the rise of non-communicable diseases, often referred to as lifestyle diseases. According to The Lancet's Global Burden of Diseases study, life expectancy dropped to 66.55 years in 2023, a significant decrease from 67.73 years in 1990. This trend stands in contrast to the global increase in life expectancy, which reached 73.84 years in 2023, up from 64.64 years in 1990.
Dietician Cherie Fortuin highlights the primary culprits behind this decline: the consumption of highly processed, high-sugar, high-fat foods, limited access to healthy options in lower-income areas, and a sedentary lifestyle. These factors contribute to the rise of non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and heart disease.
Fortuin emphasizes the impact of stress, poor sleep, and burnout, which further exacerbate the issue. She recommends a proactive approach to combating these health challenges. By making conscious decisions when grocery shopping, individuals can significantly improve their health. Fortuin suggests simple yet effective changes, such as reducing sugar intake, avoiding highly processed meals, monitoring salt consumption, and opting for whole foods.
Additionally, increasing fiber intake and reducing the consumption of fried foods are advised. These recommendations aim to empower individuals to take control of their health and potentially reverse the trend of declining life expectancy in South Africa. For further insights, listeners can tune in to Fortuin's conversation with 702 and CapeTalk's Africa Melane, offering a comprehensive understanding of these critical health issues.
