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Death rates at specific life stages mold the sex gap in life expectancy

Author

Listed:
  • Virginia Zarulli

    (Interdisciplinary Centre on Population Dynamics, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5230 Odense, Denmark)

  • Ilya Kashnitsky

    (Interdisciplinary Centre on Population Dynamics, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5230 Odense, Denmark)

  • James W. Vaupel

    (Interdisciplinary Centre on Population Dynamics, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5230 Odense, Denmark)

Abstract

Why do women live longer than men? Here, we mine rich lodes of demographic data to reveal that lower female mortality at particular ages is decisive—and that the important ages changed around 1950. Earlier, excess mortality among baby boys was crucial; afterward, the gap largely resulted from elevated mortality among men 60+. Young males bear modest responsibility for the sex gap in life expectancy: Depending on the country and time, their mortality accounts for less than a quarter and often less than a 10th of the gap. Understanding the impact on life expectancy of differences between male and female risks of death by age, over time, and across populations yields insights for research on how the lives of men and women differ.

Suggested Citation

  • Virginia Zarulli & Ilya Kashnitsky & James W. Vaupel, 2021. "Death rates at specific life stages mold the sex gap in life expectancy," Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 118(20), pages 2010588118-, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:nas:journl:v:118:y:2021:p:e2010588118
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    Cited by:

    1. Marina Vergeles, 2021. "Evolution Of Sex Gap In Life Expectancy Across High-Income Countries: Universal Patterns And Country-Specific Attributes," HSE Working papers WP BRP 98/SOC/2021, National Research University Higher School of Economics.

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