How have trends in lifespan variation changed since 1950? A comparative study of 17 Western European countries

• Published in: European journal of public health Vol. 26; no. 2; pp. 360 - 362
• Main Authors: Seaman, R, Leyland, A H, Popham, F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Oxford Publishing Limited (England) 01.04.2016; Oxford University Press
• Subjects: Age Distribution; Comparative studies; Continental Population Groups; Europe - epidemiology; Humans; Inequality; International comparisons; Life expectancy; Life Expectancy - trends; Life span; Longevity; Males; Mortality; Public health; Regression analysis; Sex Distribution; Short Report; Trends; Variation; Scotland; United Kingdom > UK; Northern Ireland; Finland; ANE, Eire; British Isles, Scotland; ANE, British Isles, Northern Ireland; ANE, Finland; ANE, Europe
• ISSN: 1101-1262; 1464-360X
• DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckv185

Lifespan variation adds to life expectancy by measuring the inequality surrounding age of death that a population faces. Countries that tackle premature mortality generally have decreasing lifespan variation but this is the first study to compare and statistically assess when and to what extent trends in lifespan variation have changed across Western Europe. Lifespan variation was measured using e† and joinpoint regression analysed the timing and rate of change. Trends have been mostly downward with the recent exception of men in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland and Finland where trends have flattened or show slight increases. Future research aimed at identifying the ages and causes of death, driving trends in these countries, is key to preventing increasing inequalities.