Increasing global heterogeneity in the life expectancy of older populations

Abstract

37With overall global improvements in life expectancy, one important concern is whether 38 there is cross-country convergence in life expectancy at various ages. Insights in convergence 39 patterns can help realign research priorities help governments better structure health investments 40 across various age groups. We reveal global patterns in life expectancy improvements and 41 identify convergent clubs in life expectancy at various ages for 201 countries / areas between 42 1950 and 2015. In the case of life expectancy at younger ages, most countries are moving in the 43 same direction, but we observe significant cross-country variation for older adults and the 44 elderly. Further, we observe increasing variance in life expectancy for older adults and elderly 45 across countries. Increasing global heterogeneity in survival experience of older adults and the 46 elderly population thus has remained a neglected aspect in the discussions on global life 47

Caste, religion and regional differentials in life expectancy at birth in India: cross-sectional estimates from recent National Family Health Survey

“…1 Globally, life expectancy at birth is converging among and within countries. [2][3][4] Countries are also converging in infant mortality rate, under-five mortality rate and utilisation of basic health services. [5][6][7] Despite higher life expectancy at birth of females than male, findings from a large number of studies in developing countries suggest that females are disadvantaged in health and healthcare utilisation.…”