Economic level and human longevity: Spatial and temporal variations and correlation analysis of per capita GDP and longevity indicators in China

•Mixed distribution patterns of four longevity indexes and different relations to GDPpc.•Distributions of high-UOI and high-LE areas are strongly affected by GDPpc.•High-CH and high-LI areas lack any significant correlation with GDPpc.•Economic level has limited influence on those who live longer than 90 years old.

ObjectiveWe show the variation of longevity indicators in China during the past 60 years and its correlation patterns with per capita GDP (GDPpc) both at provincial and inner-provincial level.MethodsPopulation data from six national population censuses in China (1953–2010) at provincial level and in several typical provinces in 2010 at county-level were selected. Four main longevity indicators were calculated. Pearson's r and distributed lags time series analysis between longevity indicators and GDPpc were conducted.ResultsThe results show that Guangxi and Hainan Provinces maintain relatively high long-lived population (population over the age of 90) across various population censuses. The distributions of the population over the age of 80 and life expectancy are significantly affected by both contemporaneous and historical GDPpc at provincial level. However, areas of high long-lived population (over the age of 90) exhibit continuously stable features that lack any significant correlation with GDPpc both at provincial and inner-provincial level.ConclusionOur results indicate a mixed distribution pattern of several longevity indexes and different relation to GDPpc. It shows consistent trend with Preston curve, that is, economic conditions may have limited influence on human longevity, especially for those who live longer than 90 years old. This study suggests that the economic development may favor the local residents to have access to live as old as 80 years old, but it is still difficult for most residents to reach the level of centenarians.