Kazakhstan ahead of Soviet Union in terms of life expectancy

Kazakhstan is ahead of the Soviet Union in terms of life expectancy, Tengrinews reports, citing the country’s Vice MP Yrbol Orynbayev as saying. “The average life expectancy in Kazakhstan in 2012 stood at 69.6 years. The estimated 2013 figure stands at 70.3 years. Kazakhstan has exceeded the life expectancy figure of the Soviet times”, he told a briefing November 27. According to him, the peak life expectancy of 68.3 years was seen in the Soviet Union back in 1974. “Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the life expectancy figure declined to 63 years. Now we have seen the figure reach record high. This progress testifies to growing quality of life; though, there’s much to be done”, he said.