ROME, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- Italy maintained its status as the European country with the highest average life expectancy, a new report showed. And the average life span for an Italian is on the rise.
According to the new study of Lancet, the world's leading independent general medical journal, published Thursday in the Italian media, the average Italian male starting at birth can expect to live to the age of 80.8 years. For females in Italy, the figure is even higher: at birth, they can expect to live to the age of 85.3.
The overall average is the highest in Europe, the study said, while globally Italy ranks sixth for males and eighth for females.
The study, which covers data from 2017 -- the latest year with complete figures available, said the average life expectancy in Italy has risen steadily since 1990.
It is roughly in line with the last comprehensive report on worldwide life expectancy, released in 2015 by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. In that report, the average life expectancy for all Italians at birth was 82.7 years, the fourth highest in the world and the second-highest in Europe, just behind Spain.
"Italy provides an interesting example of the results that can be achieved by a mix of relatively healthy lifestyles and a universal health system," the study said. But it added that there were two areas that "require attention" in Italy: the gradual aging of the population as a result of a slowing birth rate and systematic cutbacks to spending on healthcare.
"Both (areas) pose several challenges to the future of Italy's health status," the report said.
