"Revised: COVID-19's Impact on Life Expectancy Greater Than Expected"

A study published in The Lancet reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a global decrease in average life expectancy by 1.6 years between 2019 and 2021, with significant mortality increases among older individuals. Despite the pandemic's devastating impact, child mortality continued to decline, albeit at a slower pace, with stark regional differences. The study also highlights unprecedented population trends, including declining global population growth and aging populations, posing significant social, economic, and political challenges for the future.