Life Expectancy and Health Expectancy among the Elderly

Abstract

Life expectancy at birth (LE) and at all ages has increased noticeably and further increases are anticipated. The changes and their characteristics reflect the forms and times of the decreases in mortality. During the period from 1930 to 1970, LE reflected the decreases in infant mortality and the reduction of infectious diseases. Recent decades have seen a decline in the increase of LE at birth, together with greater LE among adults and the elderly, reflecting higher survival rates. Slower changes are anticipated, reflecting the difficulty and cost of reducing chronic illnesses. Between 2000 and 2001, overall mortality rates will decline, and then grow as a result of the increasingly elderly age structures of the population. Deaths are accumulating among the elderly and in the coming decades, the highest percentage of deaths will take place after the age of 75, The issue of morbidity and disability in old age has begun to emerge, which has led to the concept of LE divided into LE with and without good health. These forms of LE are estimated through information from the ENSE-94 (National Survey on Health and Aging-94) . The results indicate higher LE in women, albeit with lower levels of well being. Moreover, socio-economic levels are a significant determinant not only of the amount of LE but also of health conditions.