Economic factors affecting life expectancy in G7 countries: a panel data perspective

Introduction This study aims to examine the relationships between life expectancy at birth (years) and gross domestic product per capita, gross national income per capita, and trade openness via panel data analysis. The focus on G7 countries, recognized as the world’s most developed and leading nations, allows for comparative insights into how macroeconomic factors influence public health outcomes. Understanding these relationships is essential for designing effective economic and health policies. Methods For this purpose, the G7 countries were analyzed using the panel data method for the period 1990–2023. A fixed effects model was initially applied; however, deviations from the assumptions of heteroskedasticity, autocorrelation, and interunit correlation were observed. Therefore, a robust panel data analysis using the Driscoll–Kraay robust standard estimator was used to ensure reliable results. Results Empirical findings show that per capita gross domestic product and trade openness have positive effects on life expectancy at birth, whereas per capita gross national income exhibits a negative effect. While the effects of per capita gross domestic product and trade openness on life expectancy are statistically significant, the effect of per capita gross national income is insignificant. Discussion These results suggest that higher GDP per capita and greater trade openness contribute positively to life expectancy at birth in G7 countries. The study provides comparative evidence from some of the world’s most developed nations and highlights the importance of macroeconomic policies in shaping public health outcomes.