Abstract

• This study investigates the relationship between life expectancy at birth (LE), labor force participation rate (LFP), and economic growth (GDP growth rate) in Myanmar, a developing Southeast Asian country undergoing significant economic and structural changes. Recognizing that population health and labor force size are critical drivers of economic performance, the research aims to explore both the short-run and long-run dynamics between these factors. Using time series data from 1980 to 2023 obtained from the World Bank, the analysis applies the Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) test to assess data stationarity, the Johansen cointegration test to identify long-term relationships, and both Vector Autoregressive (VAR) and Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) techniques to examine causal interactions. The findings reveal that while increases in labor force participation and life expectancy have the potential to boost economic growth, structural inefficiencies such as underemployment, low productivity, and limited access to quality healthcare can weaken their impact. The study suggests that policymakers should combine initiatives to enhance workforce productivity—through skills training, high-value job creation, and labor market reforms—with policies that promote healthy aging and extend economically active years. By aligning health improvements with productive employment opportunities, Myanmar can better leverage its demographic advantages to achieve sustainable economic growth.