What does life expectancy indicate?

Life expectancy indicates the average number of years a person is expected to live based on current mortality rates. This demographic measure reflects the health status of a population and can vary significantly between different countries, regions, and social groups. A higher life expectancy often suggests better healthcare, living conditions, and overall quality of life, while a lower life expectancy may indicate health challenges or poverty.

The other options do not accurately capture the definition of life expectancy. The minimum age for receiving social benefits pertains to governmental policies rather than an indicator of lifespan. The range of ages within a population describes age distribution but not longevity. The year in which people were born relates to their birth year rather than the average expected lifetime, which life expectancy specifically addresses.