Telangana women outlive men as life expectancy jumps by 5 years: The New demographic reality

People in Telangana are living longer due to lower infant deaths and fewer births. By 2036, men are expected to live over 71 years and women over 75, creating new challenges as the State’s elderly population grows rapidly.

Hyderabad: A child born today in Telangana can expect to live significantly longer than the previous generation. By 2036, a man in Telangana is projected to have an average lifespan of 71.40 years, while women will do even better with an expected average lifespan of 75.60 years.

The increase in life expectancy, documented in the ‘Population Projection Report 2011-2036’ by the National Commission on Population, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, is a clear indication that Telangana is currently experiencing a unique demographic transformation, having finally beaten historically high mortality rates.

---

For males in Telangana, the average lifespan is projected to jump from approximately 67.10 years in the 2011-2015 period to 71.40 years by the 2031-2035 period.

Females are expected to fare even better, with their Life Expectancy at Birth (LEB) increasing from around 71.10 years to an impressive 75.60 years over the same timeframe. This translates to nearly a full half-decade being added to the expected lifespan of the average Telangana resident within just 25 years.

Demographic experts say the improvement is directly linked to a massive reduction in Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) in the last decade during the BRS government.

Apart from the drop in IMR, the Telangana State is also witnessing a significant drop in Total Fertility Rate (TFR). Between 2013-2035, the TFR for Telangana will drop to 1.5, which is well under the replacement level of 2.1.

“The reduction in the number of children being born, combined with people living longer, pushes the population to higher age groups,” doctors point out.

The report’s findings are backed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) and public health policy experts, that the population pyramid of Indian States, including Telangana, is shifting, with people not only living longer but growing older as a population.

The report indicates that “The proportion of the population aged 60 years and above is projected to grow substantially, and by 2036, the State will have nearly as many elderly people as it has children”.

While Telangana has successfully managed to reduce IMR and fertility rates, the success brings a new challenge of managing the rapidly growing geriatric population.

“Longevity demands dedicated public health policies aimed at providing specialised health care to the elderly population. There is a need to have comprehensive social security systems for such vulnerable groups,” public health experts said.

Demographic transformation of Telangana:

Life expectancy of males (67.10 years in 2011-2015); (68.60 years in 2016-20); (69.60 years in 2021-25); (70.60 years in 2026-30), (71.40 years in 2031-35).

Life expectancy of females (71.20 years in 2011-2015); (72.40 years in 2016-20); (73.60 years in 2021-25); (74.60 years in 2026-30), (75.60 years in 2031-35).

Population Growth Rate: (7.1 in 2011-2015); (5.4 in 2016-20); (3.5 in 2021-25); (1.7 in 2026-30), (0.3 in 2031-35).

Infant Mortality Rate: (39 in 2011-2015); (35 in 2016-20); (32 in 2021-25); (29 in 2026-30), (27 in 2031-35)

Total Fertility Rate: (1.68 in 2011-2015); (1.61 in 2016-20); (1.54 in 2021-25); (1.51 in 2026-30), (1.50 in 2031-35)