Question

Which of the following statements about life expectancy in Kerala is/are correct?

1. Life expectancy serves as an important yardstick to judge the quality of life and well-being of people.
2. Kerala's life expectancy (at birth and ages 5-10 years) is 75 years, which is higher than the national average of 70 years.
3. Kerala's female life expectancy is lower than its male life expectancy.

• A. i, ii
• B. ii, iii
• C. i മാത്രം
• D. i

Answer 1

Answer:

A. i, ii

Understanding Life Expectancy

• Life expectancy at birth is a key demographic indicator, representing the average number of years a newborn infant is expected to live if current mortality patterns persist throughout their life.

• It serves as a crucial yardstick to assess the overall health, quality of life, and socio-economic well-being of a population.

• A higher life expectancy often signifies better access to healthcare, improved nutrition, sanitation, education, and reduced poverty levels within a region.

Kerala's Achievements in Life Expectancy

• Kerala consistently ranks among the top Indian states in various human development indicators, including life expectancy. This is a hallmark of the Kerala Model of Development.

• As per recent data (e.g., from the Sample Registration System - SRS or National Family Health Survey - NFHS), Kerala's life expectancy at birth is approximately 75 years.

• This figure is significantly higher than the national average for India, which is around 70 years, thus validating the second statement.

• This remarkable achievement is primarily attributed to Kerala's robust public health system, high literacy rates (especially among women), universal access to education, and effective social welfare programs.

Gender Disparity in Life Expectancy

• Contrary to the third statement, female life expectancy in Kerala is higher than male life expectancy. This trend is consistent across most parts of India and globally.

• For instance, while exact figures vary by year and source, female life expectancy in Kerala is generally 4-6 years higher than that of males (e.g., females around 78-79 years, males around 73-74 years).

Factors contributing to this include:

• Biological resilience: Females often exhibit greater biological robustness against certain diseases.

• Healthcare access and utilization: Women in Kerala often have better access to and tend to utilize healthcare services more frequently, particularly for maternal and child health.

• Lifestyle differences: Men are typically more prone to high-risk behaviors such such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and occupational hazards, which can reduce their lifespan.

The Kerala Model of Development

• The Kerala Model of Development is a unique socio-economic development paradigm where the state has achieved high levels of social indicators (like literacy, health, and life expectancy) despite having a relatively lower per capita income compared to other developed regions.

• Key pillars of this model, crucial for competitive exams, include:

• Universal and equitable public healthcare: A strong network of public hospitals and health centers.

• High literacy rates: Kerala boasts the highest literacy rate in India, with significant female literacy contributing to better health awareness.

• Effective land reforms and Public Distribution System (PDS): Ensuring food security and reducing rural poverty.

• Strong decentralized governance: Empowering local bodies in planning and implementing development schemes.