Life Expectancy in ASEAN region
Upon checking GapMinder data, I become particularly interested what factors drive high life expectancy in ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nation) region (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam). At this point, I have included all variables isolating only member countries within ASEAN.
What intrigues me, is there a connection between life expectancy with residential electricity use per person? Does it mean the more power a person use, the more a person can enjoy life prolonging it? I suspect internet use helps become a person knowledgeable to choose options to improve health leading to a longer life expectancy.
What is the connection alcohol consumption in prolonging life? Does lower alcohol consumption improve life expectancy?
Previous research found that there is causality between gross domestic product and electricity consumption in 10 Asian countries as discussed by Sheng-Tung, Chi-chung, Hsiao-I (2007). Higher consumption of electricity leads to higher economic growth.
There are connections between economic growth and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) with energy consumption. As Salahuddin and Alam (2016) revealed, there are short and long run effects of ICT use and economic growth and the same time stimulates energy usage.
Birru et al (2016) show low literacy-rate in adults may hinder in accessing health information. A desired reading level (high school) must be reached to health websites on specific health topics. Walde, Dube, and Anthony (2007) pointed out that there is a rapid increase of patient seeking first the internet for their ailment before letting his physician interprets the Web-acquired information. The patient now is aware of the choices available for him as he confirms it from his physician.
Significant increase in mortality with alcohol use disorder were found those who consume alcohol in early and later years in life. To reduce its toll, one must understand the causes as studied by Kendler and Ohlsson (2016).
Hypothesis
With the literature reviewed, I propose the following hypotheses:
1. Life expectancy is increased in ASEAN region because of high residential electricity use of person.
2. Internet use empowers person to improve health as it provides Web-acquired information.
3. High consumption of alcohol shortens life expectancy.
References
Sheng-Tung, C., Hsiao-I, K., Chi-chung, C., 2007, The Relationship between GDP and Electricity Consumption in 10 Asian Countries. Energy Policy 35 (2007) 2611-2621.
Salahuddin, M., Alam, K., 2016, Information and Communication Technology, electricity consumption and economic growth in OECD countries: A panel data analysis. Electrical Power and Energy Systems, 76: 185–193.
Kendler, K. et al, 2016, Alcohol Use Disorder and Mortality Across the Lifespan:A Longitudinal Cohort and Co-relative Analysis. JAMA Psychiatry. Published online April 20, 2016. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2016.0360
Birru MS, Monaco VM, Charles L, Drew H, Njie V, Bierria T, Detlefsen E, Steinman, RA. Internet Usage by Low-Literacy Adults Seeking Health Information: An Observational Analysis. J Med Internet Res 2004;6(3):e25
Wald, H., Dube, C., Anthony, D. 2007, Untangling the Web—The impact of Internet use on health care and the physician–patient relationship. Patient Education and Counseling 68 (2007) 218–224.