German life expectancy increases - German Average Lifespan Duration
Life expectancy in Germany, which experienced a temporary decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is now showing signs of recovery. According to recent data, the life expectancy at birth in Germany is currently around 80.8 years, slightly above the OECD average.
The German Federal Statistical Office has reported improved mortality figures, with death counts in early and mid-2025 below median values of previous years, suggesting recovery in mortality trends. However, the prior upward trend in longevity growth has slowed, particularly for older populations.
The life expectancy for older age groups, such as those 65 or older, in Germany continues to reflect demographic aging but with slowly improving survival rates. In 2023, life expectancy at birth for women is 83.5 years, while for men it is 78.9 years. Both genders have roughly returned to pre-Corona life expectancy levels from 2019.
Notably, the life expectancy for 65-year-old women has increased by 21.2 years, while for men it has increased by 18 years since 2005. The increase in life expectancy for both 65-year-old genders is more than half a year since 2023.
A study published by the Federal Institute for Population Research (BiB) in May revealed that women of middle age often underestimate their own life expectancy, while men tend to overestimate it. This underestimation can lead to less investment in retirement provision, resulting in a lower pension and a higher risk of poverty.
The study did not mention any specific changes in life expectancy values for people under 65 years of age. The study's author, Anna Reuter, explained that underestimation of remaining lifetime can impact retirement provision.
It's important to note that life expectancy at birth is not a prognosis for today's newborns. Before the Corona era, life expectancy had increased by an average of about 0.1 years per year for both genders from 2011 to 2019.
As Germany's population continues to age, the ongoing challenges pose a significant impact on future projections. Projections to 2100 indicate a gradual increase in life expectancy at birth for Germany, but at a slower pace compared to the pre-pandemic steady gains. The demographic shift toward an older population will also influence life expectancy dynamics and health care needs.
Compared to Austria and Switzerland, Germany's life expectancy is close but slightly lower than Austria's 81.09 years in 2022, indicating room for improvement despite overall stable and high longevity.
In summary, Germany's life expectancy experienced a pandemic-related setback but is now recovering, with improvements sustained in recent months and a projected slow increase over coming decades. The aging population poses ongoing challenges that are factored into future projections, differentiating current trends from pre-pandemic steady improvements.
- The recovery in Germany's mortality trends, suggesting improvements in overall health, could be further fostered by integrating community policies that prioritize health-and-wellness and ongoing vocational training, especially for older age groups to sustain longevity growth.
- Scientific research, such as the study published by the Federal Institute for Population Research (BiB), can provide valuable insights into life expectancy and retirement planning, particularly in understanding the impact of underestimation of remaining lifetime on personal financial decisions and encouraging informed choices in health-and-wellness, vocational training, and retirement provision.
