(VOVworld)- By 2030, average life expectancy in South Korea will increase exceed 90 years for women and 84 years for men, according to a study published in The Lancet. The figures show improved health care, community health services and nutrition in several countries. But greater life expectancy poses a number of challenges.

A study by scientists from the Imperial College of London and the World Health Organization analyzed data on mortality and longevity patterns to predict the average life expectancy in 35 industrialized nations in 2030.

The findings show South Korea leading the field with a life expectancy of 90.8 years for women and 84.1 years for men by 2030. Majid Ezzati, professor of global environmental health at Imperial College believes the secret to South Korea’s success has been the country’s investment in childhood nutrition, education and technology as well as low blood pressure, low levels of smoking and good access to health care.

In Europe, French women and Swiss women are predicted to have the highest life expectancy, with averages of 88.6 and 84 years respectively.

The United States has the lowest life expectancy at birth among high-income countries - 83.3 years for women and 79.5 years for men — similar to middle-income in Mexico and Croatia.

Scientists once believed the average life expectancy would never exceed 90 years. This study broke the 90-year barrier. The aging population poses challenges to health care systems and social services and will force countries to change their labor laws. Professor Ezzati said he hopes the study will encourage countries to make healthy changes and help policymakers prepare for their population’s changing demographics.