Mauritius Aging Population: Life Expectancy Up, Birthrates Down

The aging population is on the rise. It is in the age group of 80 years and above that the largest increase is seen compared to other age groups among seniors.

A “feminization” of aging is also observed. There are two reasons why the population is aging: the increase in longevity and the decrease in fertility.

In the 1970s, the average life expectancy for a man in Mauritius was 61 years, and for a woman it was 66 years. In 2022, they now live up to 70 and 77 years respectively.

The decrease in fertility has also contributed to the aging population. The number of births per 1,000 inhabitants in Mauritius has decreased by 75% over the past 60 years.

“Low fertility rates have led to a decrease in the proportion of young people in the total population. This has resulted in a narrowing of the base of the age pyramids between 1972 and 2023,” according to Statistics Mauritius.

Source: Defi Media