Advancing life expectancy in Saudi Arabia: insights from global best practices
Hala A. Alosaimi, Haitham Alnouri, Ibrahim Alasiri, Saad Almushawah, M Mohammed, Ameera Abdulrahman, Rana A. Alotaibi, Rasha Alfawaz, Abdulazizi abdulbaqi, Weam M. Banjar, Tareef Alaama, Mariam M. AlEissa
Abstract
Life expectancy is an important indicator of societal health and development. Social and economic determinants of health, political stability, and public policies frequently influence outcomes. Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in improving its population's life expectancy, and the overall trajectory is upwards and positive. Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia continues to face challenges related to controlling noncommunicable diseases. (NCDs), health disparities, and behavioral factors. This study aims to explore global best practices for improving life expectancy and establish recommendations for Saudi policy makers in the health industry and related stakeholders. A robust comparative analysis was used to evaluate the impact of global best practices with respect to the accessibility, efficiency and affordability of different national healthcare systems. It also addresses social determinants of health. Moreover, it looks at national health policies and preventative measures. The primary data sources used include peer-reviewed literature databases such as PubMed, the Lancet and Springer. The data were also derived from reports of global health organizations, such as the WHO, World Bank and OECD publications. The key indicators analysed included healthcare access, cultural/social awareness, education, nutrition, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors. An online comprehensive questionnaire was sent to analyse data collected from people currently living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We introduce several recommendations after looking into countries with high longevity rates. We highlight the need to adopt evidence-based practices to increase life expectancy in Saudi Arabia. New strategies promoting healthy lifestyles through education, regulating unhealthy products, promoting regular physical activity, integrating mental health into primary health, encouraging plant-based diets and improving preventive healthcare are needed. To achieve a healthier and longer-living population aligning with the Kingdom's vision, cultural and socioeconomic barriers should be further addressed by incorporating stress management practices.