Regional Trends and Social Factors of Longevity in Uzbekistan Abdiraimova Shaxnoza

Аннотация

This article analyzes the changes in the number of people aged 90 and above in the Republic of Uzbekistan from 2000 to 2024, with a focus on regional distribution, gender differences, and urban–rural disparities. The study identifies the decline rates within this demographic group, areas with population growth in this category, and the social factors influencing these trends. The primary goal of the research is to determine the factors affecting the longevity of the population, to highlight existing issues, and to propose recommendations for strengthening the social protection of this demographic in the future. According to statistical data, the number of residents aged 90 and above has decreased by 16% nationwide between 2000 and 2024. This trend is particularly noticeable in several regions, including the Republic of Karakalpakstan, Namangan, Andijan, Samarkand, and Surkhandarya. Conversely, in regions such as Fergana and Syrdarya, the number of people over 90 has increased. The study also addresses gender differences. As of 2024, women made up 66.7% of the 90+ population, while men accounted for only 33.3%. This gap is attributed to several negative factors more prevalent among men, such as cardiovascular diseases, tobacco and alcohol consumption, hazardous work conditions, and higher stress levels. In contrast, women tend to lead healthier lifestyles, exhibit greater social activity, and benefit from stronger social support. Their lifelong engagement in labor, close family ties, and emotional stability have also contributed to their longevity. Differences between urban and rural populations were also examined. In rural areas, factors such as prolonged physical activity, cleaner air, and a diet rich in natural products have positively influenced health outcomes. At the same time, better access to healthcare services in urban areas has led to increased longevity in some cities. Nevertheless, the overall number of long-lived individuals remains higher in rural settings. Keywords: Highlight existing issues, social factors influencing, demographic group. some regions demonstrate higher longevity rates, Introduction: In recent decades, life expectancy has others show relatively lower figures. Additionally, the become one of the key indicators of socio-economic differences in life expectancy between men and development for many countries. Specifically, the level women remain an important subject of demographic of longevity is closely linked to public health, lifestyle, research. These differences can be explained by various the quality of medical services, and environmental factors, including lifestyle, working conditions, genetic factors. Uzbekistan is no exception to this global trend: predispositions, and social circumstances. since independence, the country's demographic structure, access to healthcare services, and reforms in Identifying changes in life expectancy, analyzing the overall healthcare system have had a significant regional differences, and statistically justifying gender- impact on changes in life expectancy. based disparities highlight the relevance of this issue. Such analyses play an essential role in shaping health At the same time, certain regional and gender-based policy in Uzbekistan and promoting social equity. disparities in life expectancy persist. For example, while American Journal Of Social Sciences And Humanity Research 370 https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ajsshr American Journal Of Social Sciences And Humanity Research (ISSN: 2771-2141) Literature Review is lower than 60 years. In recent years, longevity has become a pressing METHODOLOGY subject in socio-demographic research. Numerous The primary goal of this study is to identify and analyze studies at both international and national levels focus regional and gender-based differences in longevity in on identifying the factors influencing life expectancy Uzbekistan. Statistical data on life expectancy were and analyzing them within demographic, social, and collected and analyzed. The research identified economic contexts. regional differences in life expectancy and examined Researchers such as R.P. Murtin and D. Bloom have disparities between men and women. analyzed the impact of longevity on demographic and Analysis Results. One of the important indicators economic growth. They emphasize the rise in human reflecting a country’s socio-economic development is capital as one of the positive aspects of longer life the average life expectancy of its population. Globally, expectancy, while also noting the potential additional the average life expectancy is approximately 71 years. burdens on healthcare and pension systems. Likewise, This figure is 84.6 years in Japan, 84.2 in Andorra, 82.3 T. Parsons' theories assign significant importance to the in Israel, 79.8 in the United States, 72.7 in Russia, 73.8 role of the elderly and long-lived individuals in society. in Uzbekistan, 73.7 in Tajikistan, and 70.4 in From a functionalist p