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01-12-2010 | Original Investigation

Are gaps in disability free life expectancies diminishing in Italy?

Authors: Luisa Frova, Alessandra Burgio, Alessandra Battisti

Published in: European Journal of Ageing | Issue 4/2010

Abstract

This paper studies gender differences in disability free life expectancy (DFLE), taking into account mortality and disability contributions. After analysing the types of disability that account for such differences, it goes on to examine temporal variability and age contributions to mortality and disability variation. The method used is an extension of Arriaga’s model proposed by Nusselder. In 2005, disability free life expectancy at age 30 was 46.23 years for men and 48.74 years for women, with a gender difference of 2.51 years. Decomposing this difference we find that the mortality effect is 3.70 years, while the disability effect is negative and equal to −1.19 years. Ten years earlier, in 1994, DFLE at age 30 was 43.24 years for men and 46.55 years for women, with a difference between genders of 3.32 years. This broke down to a mortality effect of 4.33 years and a disability effect of −1.02 years. In conclusion, the gap in DFLE between men and women is narrowing, thanks to the more rapid drop in mortality rates in men. With respect to disabilities women are disadvantaged, although the difference (in both total disability and different types of disability) has been almost stable in recent years.

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This, obviously, is also true for measurements obtained by the Sullivan-based decomposition model.

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Title: Are gaps in disability free life expectancies diminishing in Italy?
Authors: Luisa Frova
Alessandra Burgio
Alessandra Battisti
Publication date: 01-12-2010
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Published in: European Journal of Ageing / Issue 4/2010
Print ISSN: 1613-9372
Electronic ISSN: 1613-9380
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10433-010-0173-1

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Are gaps in disability free life expectancies diminishing in Italy?

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