The Quality of Life of the European Population: SHARE Data-based Analysis

Abstract

The quality of life, well-being and deprivation are significant factors affecting the ageing European population. The fifth (2013) wave of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) covers the two indices of (material and social) deprivation along with various life quality and satisfaction indicators measuring (subjective and objective) well-being. Using the SHARE data, the present paper examines the 50+ population in 13 EU member states and Switzerland, emphasizing the relationships between distinctive characteristics. The gender gap is quantified for both the whole sample and particular age groups. Statistical comparisons between old and new EU countries are limited since only three of the latter (Estonia, Slovenia and the Czech Republic) took part in the 2013 SHARE survey.