Dominican life expectancy soars since 1950, with women living longer

Life expectancy in the Dominican Republic has dramatically increased since 1950, according to mortality tables from the National Statistics Office (ONE). In 1950, men could expect to live just under 43 years, and women around 45. By 2022, these figures rose to 71.53 years for men and 77.90 years for women.

Despite the overall increase in longevity for both sexes, women continue to live longer than men. This disparity is attributed to higher male mortality rates, particularly during adolescence, youth, and early adulthood. This difference persists even after age 60, though survival rates are increasing for both genders in older age groups.

The country has transitioned towards a demographic model with lower mortality rates, increased longevity, and a greater concentration of deaths in advanced ages. A key factor contributing to this shift is the substantial reduction in infant mortality. In 1950, approximately 159 out of every 1,000 newborns died, a rate that fell to 18 per 1,000 by 2022. This decline is a major advancement in population survival conditions.

However, the ONE report highlights the need to strengthen the coverage, timeliness, and quality of infant death registrations, noting discrepancies among information sources. Projections indicate a continued, but slower, decline in infant mortality as the country approaches lower levels compared to previous periods. The mortality tables serve as a vital tool for understanding population survival trends over time.