The life-span of population of the Irkutsk Oblast

Abstract

The indicator of average life expectancy at birth is widely used as systemic indicator of population quality of life and health. The purpose of the study is to identify, to evaluate quantitative and structural changes of indicator of life expectancy at birth in population of the Irkutsk Oblast during 1990-2019. The data of life expectancy at birth was obtained from the Rosstat websites. The original calculations of survival tables were carried out using the databases of the Center for Demographic Research at the New Economic School. The analysis of trends was carried out using linear regression analysis. The analysis of role of exogenous and endogenous determination of mortality in formation of average life expectancy was carried out. In 1990-2005, in the Irkutsk Oblast, occurred change in ranking of causes of death that determined the greatest irrecoverable losses of population and reduction of indicator of average life expectancy at birth. The essence of this change is in abnormally high proportion of exogenous causes of mortality, especially class of external causes of mortality, in the structure of irreversible demographic losses. In the Irkutsk Oblast, in 2006-2019, occurred favorable changes in the structure of irrecoverable losses, testifying returning to modern type of mortality. During the same period, indicator of average life expectancy at birth increased. It is established that changes occurred since 2006 in the quantitative and structural indices of mortality and average life expectancy at birth are very positive. However, during demographic processes in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic intervened. This factor is bringing negative impact on economy, and after that on social sphere and public health. The further course of development of social demographic situation in the Irkutsk Oblast, in particular, dynamics of indicator of average life expectancy at birth, will depend on success of activities of authorities of all levels in struggle with pandemic and overcoming crisis events in social economic development.