Estonians have an average lifespan of 79 years, but they can expect to enjoy only 59 of those years in good health.
In 2024, life expectancy at birth in Estonia was 79.5 years, yet healthy life expectancy remained low at 58.7 years. Although this figure is below the European average of 81.4 years, Estonia has significantly improved in this regard, recording the most substantial increase in life expectancy among European countries over the past three decades.
Notably, Switzerland and Spain topped the European rankings, with life expectancies surpassing 84 years. In 1994, the life expectancy of Estonian residents was a mere 66.5 years, which increased by 13 years to reach the current figure. Lithuania and Latvia, Estonia's Baltic neighbors, saw similar improvements with life expectancies of 77.6 years and 75.6 years respectively.
Estonia is a notable exception in the European context with a substantial gender disparity in life expectancy. Women in Estonia can expect to live up to 83.4 years, whereas men's life expectancy is only 75.1 years, resulting in a gap of 8.3 years. The European Union average stands at a gap of 5.3 years.
The older age groups reveal a marked increase in the proportion of women, as their numbers outweigh men due to the difference in life expectancy. While the number of men and women is almost equal within the working-age population, the share of men declines sharply as age advances, causing a surge in the proportion of women. Currently, women constitute 74% of the population aged 80 and over.
Encouragingly, the number of healthy life years is on the rise, with Estonian residents expected to live 58.7 disability-free years at birth. Rural residents tend to enjoy a slightly shorter healthy life than their urban counterparts, with healthy life expectancy at 56.5 years in the countryside compared to 59.7 years in cities.
Education plays a significant role in life expectancy, as people with higher education tend to live longer. Women with higher education have an average life expectancy of 86 years, while men with basic education expect to live 68.4 years. Similarly, healthy life years are more plentiful for the educated, with 64.5 years on average for those with higher education, compared to just 48.6 years for those with basic education.
In 2024, healthy life expectancy increased only for the population with higher education, while remaining stable or decreasing for the less educated. Non-Estonians demonstrated a more substantial increase in healthy life years compared to Estonians, reducing the gap between the two groups. However, the gender gap in healthy life years remains for women in both groups.
Across the counties, Tartu and Harju have the highest life expectancy, both standing at 80.6 years. Life expectancy tends to be higher in urban areas, such as Tartu and Harju, whereas rural areas like Ida-Viru have lower life expectancy, at 77 years. By gender, life expectancy is highest for women in Saare County and lowest for men in Ida-Viru County.
- Despite Estonia's life expectancy of 79.5 years in 2024 being below the European average, it has shown substantial improvement, especially compared to the 1994 figure of 66.5 years.
- Switzerland and Spain hold the top spots among European countries, with life expectancies surpassing 84 years, well above Estonia's.
- The life expectancy gap between men and women in Estonia is notable, with women expected to live up to 83.4 years, compared to 75.1 years for men.
- As people age, the proportion of women in Estonia significantly outweighs that of men, particularly in the 80 and over age group, where women now make up 74% of the population.
- Healthy life expectancy, or the number of years one could expect to live free of chronic diseases, stands at 58.7 years in Estonia, with rural residents having a slightly shorter lifespan than urban dwellers.
- Education significantly influences life expectancy and healthy life years; women with higher education can expect to live up to 86 years, while those with basic education live up to 68.4 years.
- In 2024, healthy life expectancy increased only for the population with higher education, while remaining stable or decreasing for the less educated. Non-Estonians saw a more substantial increase in healthy life years than their Estonian counterparts.
- Across the counties, Tartu and Harju have the highest life expectancy, both standing at 80.6 years, with urban areas generally having a higher life expectancy than rural areas.
- By gender, life expectancy is highest for women in Saare County and lowest for men in Ida-Viru County, reflecting the overall gender disparity in life expectancy across Estonia.
- Despite improvements in life expectancy, Estonia continues to grapple with various health issues, including chronic diseases, respiratory conditions, digestive health, eye health, hearing, and various skin conditions.
- Mental health, men's health, and women's health are also concerns in Estonia, with a focus on addressing aging-related health issues, cardiovascular health, and promoting overall health and wellness through fitness and exercise.
- Autoimmune disorders, a growing concern in Estonia, are a significant focus of medical research to better understand their causes and to develop effective treatments.
- To further improve health outcomes, education, and self-development in various sectors, such as personal growth and career development, are essential to ensure a healthier and more productive population in Estonia.
