Flemish life expectancy among European top
The life expectancy for both men and women in Flanders has increased dramatically in recent years, leading to a place in the top 5 among EU countries
Women fourth best in EU
Flemish women rank a high fourth place in the EU. Only the life expectancy of women in Italy, Spain and France is higher. Flemish men do less well, with an 11th place ranking out of 28 regions.
In 2013, 61,063 people died in Flanders, 678 more than in 2012. The increase of deaths in absolute numbers is logical, said Vandeurzen, because of the ageing of the population. But the per capita number of deaths is gradually decreasing, he said.
According to the minister, this is the result of better medical care and improved cancer screenings, particularly for breast, cervical and colon cancers. “There also are more and more campaigns to encourage people to live healthier lifestyle,” said the welfare ministry in a statement. There are also more campaigns and programmes related to the prevention of suicide.
Photo courtesy Shereen M / Flickr Commons
