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International Journal of Public Health

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Open Access 01-07-2018 | Original Article

Why is the gender gap in life expectancy decreasing? The impact of age- and cause-specific mortality in Sweden 1997–2014

Authors: Louise Sundberg, Neda Agahi, Johan Fritzell, Stefan Fors

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 6/2018

Abstract

Objectives

To enhance the understanding of the current increase in life expectancy and decreasing gender gap in life expectancy.

Methods

We obtained data on underlying cause of death from the National Board of Health and Welfare in Sweden for 1997 and 2014 and used Arriaga’s method to decompose life expectancy by age group and 24 causes of death.

Results

Decreased mortality from ischemic heart disease had the largest impact on the increased life expectancy of both men and women and on the decreased gender gap in life expectancy. Increased mortality from Alzheimer’s disease negatively influenced overall life expectancy, but because of higher female mortality, it also served to decrease the gender gap in life expectancy. The impact of other causes of death, particularly smoking-related causes, decreased in men but increased in women, also reducing the gap in life expectancy.

Conclusions

This study shows that a focus on overall changes in life expectancies may hide important differences in age- and cause-specific mortality. It also emphasizes the importance of addressing modifiable lifestyle factors to reduce avoidable mortality.

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Title: Why is the gender gap in life expectancy decreasing? The impact of age- and cause-specific mortality in Sweden 1997–2014
Authors: Louise Sundberg
Neda Agahi
Johan Fritzell
Stefan Fors
Publication date: 01-07-2018
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: International Journal of Public Health / Issue 6/2018
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-018-1097-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Why is the gender gap in life expectancy decreasing? The impact of age- and cause-specific mortality in Sweden 1997–2014

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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