By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE life expectancy at birth for Bahamians has risen slightly according to a report released by the Department of Statistics yesterday.

The decennial report was complied using data from the 2010 census as from well as vital events related to deaths from 2009 to 2011.

The report contradicts statements from Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) officials who last month said the life expectancy at birth for Bahamians is on the decline for the first time, with violent crime and non-communicable diseases being two major proponents of the decline.

Life expectancy at birth is considered a major socio-economic indicator.

The findings released by the Department of Statistics yesterday indicated that although the average life expectancy for men and women has increased, it did so at a slower pace than it did in previous years.

Women are now expected to live 76.8 years, a gain of about one third of a year longer than in 2000. Bahamian men are now expected to live 70.6 years, six months longer than they were expected to live a decade ago.

During the 1979-1981 period, the average life expectancy for Bahamian men and women was 64.3 and 72.1 years.

During the 1989-1991 period, the life expectancy for men and women increased to 68.2 and 75.3 years.

For the 1999-2001 period, life expectancy increased to 69.9 for men and 76.4 for women.