Gender differences in life expectancy of the population of Tatarstan

Abstract

During the spread of coronavirus infection around the world, much attention is being paid to study of excessive mortality of the population, which has impact on life expectancy. Achieving the goals set by the Government of the Russian Federation to achieve life expectancy of 78 years by 2030 depends on many factors, including reduction of gender differences in life expectancy and excess mortality of the male population from various classes of causes. But in 2020 there was a turning point which led to a decrease in life expectancy to the level of 2014. This fact requires a more detailed study of the negative consequences of gender differences in this demographic indicator. The data of Rosstat and the sociological study "Demographic well-being of Tatarstan" conducted by the Family and Demography Center of the Tatarstan Academy of Sciences served as an information resource. The purpose of the article is to identify the main social consequences of gender differences in life expectancy. The main socio-cultural and behavioral factors of male mortality are highlighted. Among the behavioral factors that are closest to explaining the high mortality of Russian men is alcohol consumption, which is considered as an optional phenomenon of suicide. The direct expression (consequence) of a certain behavior is the most characteristic tendency of men to neglect their own health. In order to change the situation, only the state policy on development of measures aimed at creating conditions for raising the life expectancy is not sufficient, it is also necessary to change the consciousness of men to form motivation for the need to preserve and strengthen health.