Definition and Difference from Life Expectancy
Healthy Life Expectancy (HALE) measures the number of years a person can expect to live without functional limitations in daily life. Calculated by the WHO using disease burden data from each country, it essentially equals life expectancy minus years spent in poor health. Japan also shows a gap between life expectancy and HALE, and how far this "unhealthy period" can be shortened is the focus when reading the indicator. Figures quoted for the size of the gap vary with the calculation method and the source, so check the indicator name and publication year before comparing them.
Global HALE Rankings
In the WHO's published HALE estimates, countries such as Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Switzerland often appear near the top. Rankings shift between editions and reference years, so treat any specific rank as provisional and note the publication year of the estimate you consulted. Factors commonly cited for these countries include strong healthcare access, emphasis on preventive medicine, and high-quality dietary habits.
Meanwhile, many sub-Saharan African countries have HALE values around 50 years, with infectious diseases, malnutrition, and inadequate medical infrastructure as primary causes. The gap in HALE is even wider than the gap in life expectancy.
Factors That Reduce Unhealthy Years
Efforts to shorten the unhealthy period center on preventing lifestyle diseases. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, smoking cessation, and maintaining a healthy weight form the foundation. Keeping up social connections and habits that exercise cognitive function are also valued for maintaining independence in later life. The size of each effect varies across studies, so set concrete targets based on your own check-up results and your physician's advice.
Role in MyRank
MyRank can estimate your relative position in healthy life expectancy among your global age cohort. The practical value of this indicator lies not just in living longer, but in understanding your standing from the perspective of living healthily, motivating lifestyle improvements.