Gender Differences In Life Expectancy Research Articles

Gender equality related to gender differences in life expectancy across the globe gender equality and life expectancy.

Life expectancy (LE) depends on the wider determinants of health, many of which have gendered effects worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether gender equality was associated with LE for women and men and the gender gap in LE across the globe. Gender equality in 156 countries was estimated using a modified global gender gap index (mGGGI), based on the index developed by the World Economic Forum between 2010 and 2021. Linear regression was used to investigate the association between the mGGGI and its economic, political, and education subindices and the gender gap in LE and women and men's LE. Overall, the mGGGI increased from 58% in 2010 to 62% in 2021. Globally, changes in the mGGGI and its economic and political subindexes were not associated with changes in the gender gap in LE or with LE for women and men between 2010 and 2020. Improvements in gender equality in education were associated with a longer LE for women and men and widening of the gender gap in LE. In 2021, each 10% increase in the mGGGI was associated with a 4.3-month increase in women's LE and a 3.5-month increase in men's LE, and thus with an 8-month wider gender gap. However, the direction and magnitude of these associations varied between regions. Each 10% increase in the mGGGI was associated with a 6-month narrower gender gap in high-income countries, and a 13- and 16-month wider gender gap in South and Southeast Asia and Oceania, and in Sub-Saharan Africa, respectively. Globally, greater gender equality is associated with longer LE for both women and men and a widening of the gender gap in LE. The variation in this association across world regions suggests that gender equality may change as countries progress towards socioeconomic development and gender equality.

Could Country-Level Factors Explain Sex Differences in Dementia Incidence and Prevalence? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Despite rising interest in sex differences in dementia, it is unclear whether sex differences in dementia incidence and prevalence are apparent globally. We examine sex differences in incidence and prevalence of Any dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and vascular dementia (VaD), and evaluate whether country-level indicators of gender inequality account for differences. Systematic review with meta-analysis was used to obtain estimates of incidence and prevalence of Any dementia, AD, and VaD using random effects meta-analysis, and population-based studies with clinical or validated dementia measures. Meta-regression was used to evaluate how country-specific factors of life expectancy, education, and gender differences in development, unemployment, and inequality indices influenced estimates. We identified 205 eligible studies from 8,731 articles, representing 998,187 participants across 43 countries. There were no sex differences in the incidence of Any dementia, AD, or VaD, except in the 90+ age group (women higher). When examined by 5-year age bands, the only sex difference in prevalence of Any dementia was in the 85+ group and there was no sex difference in VaD. AD was more prevalent in women at most ages. Globally, the overall prevalence of dementia in adults 65 + was higher for women (80.22/1000, 95% CI 62.83-97.61) than men (54.86/1000, 95% CI 43.55-66.17). Meta-regression revealed that sex differences in Any dementia prevalence were associated with gender differences in life expectancy and in education. Globally, there are no sex differences in age-specific dementia incidence, but prevalence of AD is higher in women. Country-level factors like life expectancy and gender differences in education may explain variability in sex differences.

How to Study Life Expectancy at Birth (e0) Differences between The Two Genders: A Methodological Proposition

This methodological paper proposes a combination of methods for evaluating the gender gap in life expectancy at birth between different populations. This approach consists of three steps. First, the abridged life tables per gender are calculated. Second, the gender differences in life expectancy at birth are decomposed by age by applying a relevant procedure. In the final step, an agglomerative cluster analysis method is applied. Several problems of this method are discussed and ways to overcome them are proposed. Results indicate the method's validity and sensitivity in portraying the segmentation or differences between countries in a cross-sectional study.

Gender differences in life expectancy of the population of Tatarstan

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.

Gender differences in countries' adaptation to societal ageing: an international cross-sectional comparison

Gender differences in life expectancy and societal roles have implications for a country's capacity to support its older population. Specifically, the longevity risk associated with longer life expectancy of women, with greater risk of morbidity entails different needs between genders in older age. We aimed to quantify gender differences in the ageing experience of older people in Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries as a first step in identifying policy gaps and differences in the allocation of resources and social support for older men and women. We constructed a multidimensional Ageing Index to account for gender differences in societal ageing, using mostly gender-disaggregated latest available data between 2015 and 2019, for 18 OECD countries. Our Ageing Index is a weighted sum of scores for five domains, which consisted of various measures, that are important for societal ageing: wellbeing, productivity and engagement, equity, security, and cohesion. The construction of the domains and their relative weighting was determined by the Research Network on an Ageing Society, an interdisciplinary group of academics. We computed the overall index and domain scores (from 0 to 100) for each gender and compared these scores between genders and countries. In every country, gender differences in key domains of societal ageing favour men. Countries in northern Europe (ie, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway), the Netherlands, and Japan had high overall Index scores for both genders, whereas many eastern and southern European countries (eg, Hungary, Poland, and Slovenia) performed less well. Countries with the largest gender difference in Index scores include the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy, whereas Ireland, Spain, and Poland had the smallest difference. Gender differences were present for the domains of productivity and engagement, security, and cohesion. Gender differences favoured men for domain productivity and engagement (mean 10·2, 95% CI 7·8-12·6; p<0·0001), security (10·3, 7·8-12·7; p<0·0001), and cohesion (21·1, 13·9-28·1; p<0·0001). Although the domains of wellbeing and equity showed more mixed results, they nonetheless showed a slight advantage for men. Our multidimensional index helps to identify specific gender differences along key domains of societal ageing in various OECD countries. Furthermore, the inter-country comparisons reveal those countries with more successful societal ageing, which could be instructive for policy makers. John A Hartford Foundation and the Singapore Ministry of Education.

Global Distribution of Sex Differences in the Incidence and Prevalence of Any Dementia, Alzheimer's Disease, and Vascular Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: We estimated global incidence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Vascular dementia (VaD), and Any dementia reported evaluated whether country level socio-demographic factors could explain variation in gender differences in dementia prevalence and incidence. Methods: We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis to obtain estimates of incidence and prevalence of AD, VaD and Any dementia using random effects meta-analysis. We included population-based studies with clinical diagnoses or validated dementia screening instruments. We excluded studies lacking a valid clinical diagnoses, population-based sampling, or gender stratified estimates. We used meta-regression to evaluate how country specific factors of life-expectancy, education, and gender differences in development, unemployment and inequality indices influenced estimates. Findings: Our searches identified 205 eligible studies from 8731 articles, representing 998 187 participants across 43 countries. Global incidence (95% CI) of Any dementia/1000 person-years for men at age 60-64, 66-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-89 and 90+ was 2·5 (1·9-3·2), 5·1 (4·0-6·5). 10·1 (7·9-12·8), 19·7 (15·5-24·9), 34·0 (26·9, 43·0), 59·6 (47·3, 74·8), and 84·5 (67·5, 105·4) respectively. For women the corresponding figures were 1·8 (1·3-2·5), 3·4 (2·5-4·7), 9·1 (6·6-12·4), 23·7 (17·3-32·4), 46·44 (34·1, 62·9), 84·54 (62·8, 112·9), and 142·2 (107·4, 185·9). There was no difference in incident Any dementia, or for AD or VaD, or prevalence of Any dementia, in any age group except for the 90+, where it was higher in women. AD was more prevalent in women at most ages, and VaD was only more prevalent in men aged 65-69. Meta-regression revealed that gender differences in Any dementia prevalence, may be explained by the gender differences in life expectancy and education. Interpretation: Globally, there are no gender differences in dementia incidence except in the 90+ age-group. Greater focus on the role gender inequality and life expectancy play as a potential explanations of gender differences in dementia and AD prevalence is needed. Registration Details: The review was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO, CRD42017053915) and reported in accordance with the PRISMA Statement (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). Funding Information: ARC Laureate Fellowship FL190100011, National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Grants 1100579, 1102694. NHMRC Dementia Centre for Research Collaboration Declaration of Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest.

Gender Equality and the Global Gender Gap in Life Expectancy: An Exploratory Analysis of 152 Countries.

When looking at life expectancy (LE) by sex, women live longer than men in all countries. Biological factors alone do not explain gender differences in LE, and examining structural differences may help illuminate other explanatory factors. The aim of this research is to analyse the influence of gender inequality on the gender gap in LE globally. We have carried out a regression analysis between the gender gap in relativised LE and the UN Gender Inequality Index (GII), with a sensitivity analysis conducted for its three dimensions, stratified by the six World Health Organization (WHO) regions. We adjusted the model by taking into consideration gross national income (GNI), democratic status and rural population. The results indicated a positive association for the European region (ß=0.184) and the Americas (ß=0.136) in our adjusted model. Conversely, for the African region, the relations between gender equality and the LE gender gap were found to be negative (ß=-0.125). The findings suggest that in the WHO European region and the Americas, greater gender equality leads to a narrowing of the gender LE gap, while it has a contrary relationship in Africa. We suggest that this could be because only higher scores in the GII between men and women show health benefits.

Cystic Fibrosis and Genotype-Dependent Therapy: Is There a Need for a Sex-Specific Therapy?

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive genetic disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulation (CFTR) anion channel. Loss of CFTR protein and/or function disrupts chloride, bicarbonate, and fluid transport and also impacts epithelial sodium transport. Such altered ion and fluid transport produces mucus obstruction, inflammation, pulmonary infection, and damage to multiple organs. Although an autosomal disease, it is apparent that gender differences in life expectancy and quality of life do exist. Conventionally established therapies have treated the downstream sequelae of CFTR dysfunction and have led to a steady increase in life expectancy. Physicians now have access to medications that treat the basic defect in CF, in the form of CFTR modulators. These drugs target the trafficking and/or function of CFTR to improve clinical outcomes for patients. This review summarizes the science behind CFTR modulators and shows how these drugs have dramatically changed how patients with CF are treated. Surprisingly, although the drug target(s) are identical in males and females, CF females seem to display a greater improvement than their male counterparts.

Gender differences in life expectancy at birth in Greece 1994–2017

In this paper, we analyse the difference in life expectancy at birth between females and males in the Greek population between the years 1994–2017. After constructing life tables per gender, we used the method of Arriaga in order to decompose life expectancy’s differences by age and sex. We found that the gender gap increased until 2009 and decreased afterwards. Moreover, we estimated the differential contribution of the broad age groups of the population to the regulation of gender inequalities in longevity and studied the different effect of the causes of death. Besides age, the most important regulators are the neoplasms and the diseases of the circulatory system, followed by the external causes of morbidity and mortality, as well as the diseases of the respiratory system. All other causes of death play a marginal role. The results of the analysis indicate the need for the development and expansion of several public interventions and programs in order, not only to reduce the gender inequalities in longevity, but also to reduce the prevalence of several preventable diseases in the population.

Gender equality and the gender gap in life expectancy in Germany

The gender gap in life expectancy is documented worldwide with lower life expectancy in male new-borns. International studies have shown that the gender gap in life expectancy varies markedly with gender inequality. The paper addresses the questions: (1)whether there are life-expectancy differences between the federal states and whether the extent of gender equality at federal level is associated with (2)gender differences in life expectancy and (3)the life expectancy of women and men. The Gender Inequality Index (GII) developed by the United Nations Development Project was calculated using data from the federal states. Using linear regressions, GII was associated with the gender gap in life expectancy as well as with life expectancy in males and females. The GII varies between 0.065 (Bavaria) and 0.117 (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern) and the gender gap in life expectancy differs by almost two years within Germany. We found acorrelation between the gender difference in life expectancy and GII (R2 linear = 0.848) as well as between GII and life expectancy of male (R2 linear = 0.700), but not female newborns (R2 linear = 0.102). The association remains if GDP is taken into account as an indicator of economic power. Gender equality seems to be positively related to the life expectancy of men. This can be explained by the reduced importance of male gender stereotypes and associated risk behaviors. The requirements for gender-differentiated interventions formulated in the Prevention Act (Präventionsgesetz) are highly significant.

GENDER DIFFERENCE IN UNDERSTANDING AGEING AND RETIREMENT

The age-old wisdom is that “women live longer than men”. Gender difference in life expectancy is becoming a worldwide phenomenon both in developed and developing countries. The process of ageing may be viewed from the perspectives of physical, psychological, and social-economic wellbeing. We investigated gender difference in understanding ageing in relation to life expectancy, fears relating to diseases and deteriorating economic status, and perceived old age comfort and their preparedness. Data were obtained from an online survey and in-person interview of 518 respondents aged 40 years and older residing in Malaysia, which was based on a convenience sample collected from May 2015 to January 2016. Data were analysed using chi- squared tests and multinomial logistic regression. There were varying views between men and women when it came to understanding ageing in relation to life expectancy, fears of ageing, deteriorating economic status and their perception of old age comfort. Women were more optimistic about living longer compared to men but feared more the consequences of old age diseases. In spite of displaying less concern about financial preparedness, women were, however, willing to cut down expenses, while men would prefer longer working hours to ensure a comfortable retirement. Keywords: Gender Difference, Life Expectancy, Ageing, Fear, Financial Comfort

How Does Self-Rated Health Differ among Older Vietnamese Men and Women?

Due to gender differences in life expectancy, women outlive their male counterparts but experience more years of poor health. Whereas the correlates of gender differences in later life health have been examined in Western countries there is a limited but growing body of research among older adults in developing countries. Utilizing data from the 2011 Vietnam National Aging Study, this study examines gender differentials in self-rated health among Vietnamese aged 60 years and over (N = 2467) within the differential exposure and differential vulnerability frameworks. Logistic regression analyses show women had higher odds of reporting poor health but this differential was significantly reduced after adjusting for socio-demographic factors. Differential exposure to socio-economic resources did not explain the gender gap in perceived health status. After controlling for health behaviors, physical and mental health conditions, the gender differential was reversed with women showing lower odds of reporting poor health than similar men. Gender specific associations were evidenced by social participation, educational attainment, and employment status, which were protective for women’s health but unrelated to men’s. Older Vietnamese men and women show many similarities in the correlates of self-rated health. Comorbidity of chronic conditions, functional limitations, symptoms of psychological distress, and living in the Central region of Viet Nam were positively associated with poor self-rated health for men and women. The findings provide insight for gender sensitive social policies and investments in health systems to address the changing health profile of the Vietnamese population.

Life expectancy after the first suicide attempt.

To assess excess mortality among suicide attempters compared to the general population. Remaining life expectancy was calculated for a nationwide cohort of all 187 894 persons 18 years or older hospitalised for the first time attempted suicide in Sweden in 1971-2010. Life expectancy was shortened throughout the lifespan for both men and women debuting with suicide attempt. The reduction in life expectancy for men debuting with a suicide attempt at 20 years of age was 18 years while the reduction for men debuting at 50 years of age was 10 years. For women attempting suicide, the life expectancy was shortened by 11 and 8 years respectively. The gender difference in life expectancy attenuated in patients making their first suicide attempt at age 70 years or older. Suicide deaths explained about 20% of the total mortality within 10 years of the suicide attempt and 5% in those with duration of four decades since the first suicide attempt. The life expectancy is dramatically reduced in patients attempting suicide. With most excess deaths being due to physical health conditions, public efforts should be directed both towards improving physical health and to prevent suicide.

Cambios en las diferencias por sexo en la esperanza de vida en España (1980-2012): descomposición por edad y causa

ObjectiveTo calculate and analyse the contributions of changes in mortality by age groups and selected causes of death to sex differences in life expectancy at birth in Spain from 1980 to 2012. MethodsCross-sectional study with three time points (1980, 1995, and 2012). We used data from Human Cause-of-Death Database and Human Mortality Database. We use a decomposition method of the differences in life expectancy and gender differences in life expectancy from changes in mortality by 5-year age groups and causes of death between women and men. ResultsFrom 1980 to 1995, the lower mortality of women from 25 years old, and the differences in mortality by HIV/AIDS, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases contributed to the gap increase. From 1995 to 2012, greatest improvement in mortality of males under 74 years of age, and in improving male mortality from HIV/AIDS, acute myocardial infarction and traffic accidents contributed to the narrowing. ConclusionsThe difference in life expectancy at birth between men and women has decreased since 1995 due to a greater improvement in mortality from causes of death associated with risky behaviours and habits of the working age male population.

Gender Issues in an Ageing Society

AbstractMany aspects of our ageing society are deeply gendered. The number of older women is substantially larger than the number of older men. Women are also more likely than men to live the latter part of their life without a spouse. Relatedly, they are more likely than men to be involved in caring for other ill or disabled older family members. This article examines how the combination of gender differences in life expectancy, marriage, care roles, workforce participation and current policy settings combine to produce gender inequality in old age. It identifies policy measures to redress this imbalance.

Gender, aging and longevity in humans: an update of an intriguing/neglected scenario paving the way to a gender-specific medicine.

Data showing a remarkable gender difference in life expectancy and mortality, including survival to extreme age, are reviewed starting from clinical and demographic data and stressing the importance of a comprehensive historical perspective and a gene–environment/lifestyle interaction. Gender difference regarding prevalence and incidence of the most important age-related diseases, such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, Type 2 diabetes, disability, autoimmunity and infections, are reviewed and updated with particular attention to the role of the immune system and immunosenescence. On the whole, gender differences appear to be pervasive and still poorly considered and investigated despite their biomedical relevance. The basic biological mechanisms responsible for gender differences in aging and longevity are quite complex and still poorly understood. The present review focuses on centenarians and their offspring as a model of healthy aging and summarizes available knowledge on three basic biological phenomena, i.e. age-related X chromosome inactivation skewing, gut microbiome changes and maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA genetic variants. In conclusion, an appropriate gender-specific medicine approach is urgently needed and should be systematically pursued in studies on healthy aging, longevity and age-related diseases, in a globalized world characterized by great gender differences which have a high impact on health and diseases.

Gender differences in life expectancy with and without disability among older adults in Ecuador

BackgroundKnowledge on disability's impact among older women and men in Ecuador is limited. This paper provides gender-specific estimates of disability prevalence, life expectancy with and without disability, and the factors associated with gender differences in disability at older age in Ecuador (2009–2010). MethodsData from the Health, Well-Being, and Aging Survey (SABE) Ecuador 2009 was used. Participants were 4480 men and women aged 60 and over. Life expectancy with and without disability was calculated using the Sullivan method. Logistic regression analyses were used to explore gender differences in disability prevalence. Two disability measures, indicating limitations in activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), were used. Results60-year-old women in Ecuador can expect to live 16.3 years without ADL limitations compared to 16.9 years for men. Life expectancy without IADL limitations was 12.5 years for women and 15.5 years for men. At age 60, women's length of life with ADL and IADL disability was higher (7.9 years for women vs. 4.9 years for men with ADL, and 11.7 years for women vs. 6.3 years for men with IADL). After controlling for socioeconomic characteristics, chronic conditions and lifestyle factors, gender differences in ADL disability were not statistically significant. However, older women were 58% more likely (OR=1.58, 95% CI 1.27, 1.95) to report having IADL limitations than men, even after including control variables. ConclusionInterventions should tackle chronic disease, physical inactivity, and socioeconomic differences to reduce women's vulnerability to disability in older age.

The changing gender differences in life expectancy in Chinese cities 2005-2010.

ObjectivesTo analyze the gender difference in life expectancy in Chinese urban people and explore the age-specific and cause-specific contributions to the changing gender differences in life expectancy.MethodsData of life expectancy and mortality were obtained from “Annual statistics of public health in China.” The gender difference was analyzed by decomposition method, including age-specific decomposition and cause-specific decomposition.ResultsWomen lived much longer than men in Chinese urban areas, with remarkable gains in life expectancy since 2005, respectively. The gender difference reached a peak in 2007. Mortality difference between men and women in the 60–79 age group made the largest contributions to the gender gap in life expectancy in all 6 years. Among causes of death, cancers, circulatory diseases and respiratory diseases made the largest contributions to the gender gap. 33–38% of the gender gap were caused by cancers, among which lung cancer contributed 0.6 years of the overall gap. The contribution of cancers to the gender gap reduced over time, mostly influenced by the narrowing effect of liver cancer on gender gap. Traffic accidents and suicide were the external causes influencing the gender gap, contributing 10–16% of the overall difference.ConclusionPublic health efforts to reduce excess mortalities for cancers, circulatory disease, respiratory diseases, and suicide among men in particular might further narrow the gender gap in life expectancy in Chinese cities.

The impact of smoking on gender differences in life expectancy: more heterogeneous than often stated.

Background: Throughout industrialized countries, tobacco consumption is seen as the predominant driver of both the trend and the extent of gender differences in life expectancy. However, several factors raise doubts to this generalization. We hypothesize that the impact of smoking on the gender gap is context-specific and differs between populations. Methods: We decompose the gender differences in life expectancy into fractions caused by smoking and other non-biological factors for 53 industrialized countries and the period 1955–2009 to assess the significance of smoking among the causes that can be influenced by direct or indirect interference. Results: The trend of the gender gap can indeed be attributed to smoking in most populations of the western world. However, with regard to the overall extent of male excess mortality, smoking is the main driver only in the minority of the studied populations. While the impact of smoking to gender differences in life expectancy declines in all populations, the contribution of other non-biological factors is in most cases higher at the end than at the beginning of the observation period. Conclusions: Over-generalized statements suggesting that smoking is the main driver of the gender gap in all populations can be misleading. The results of this study demonstrate that—regardless of the prevailing effect of smoking—many populations have still remarkable potentials to further narrow their gender gaps in life expectancy. Although measures to further reduce the prevalence of tobacco consumption must be continued, more attention should be directed to the growing importance of other non-biological factors.

Ethnic and gender specific life expectancies of the Singapore population, 1965 to 2009 - converging, or diverging?

BackgroundThe increase in life expectancy and the persistence of expectancy gaps between different social groups in the 20th century are well-described in Western developed countries, but less well documented in the newly industrialised countries of Asia. Singapore, a multiethnic island-state, has undergone a demographic and epidemiologic transition concomitant with economic development. We evaluate secular trends and differences in life expectancy by ethnicity and gender in Singapore, from independence to the present.MethodsPeriod abridged life tables were constructed to derive the life expectancy of the Singapore population from 1965 to 2009 using data from the Department of Statistics and the Registry of Births and Deaths, Singapore.ResultsAll 3 of Singapore’s main ethnic groups, and both genders, experienced an increase in life expectancy at birth and at 65 years from 1965 to 2009, though at substantially different rates. Although there has been a convergence in life expectancy between Indians and Chinese, the (substantial) gap between Malays and the other two ethnic groups has remained. Females continued to have a higher life expectancy at birth and at 65 years than males throughout this period, with no evidence of convergence.ConclusionsEthnic and gender differences in life expectancy persist in Singapore despite its rapid economic development. Targeted chronic disease prevention measures and health promotion activities focusing on people of Malay ethnicity and the male community may be needed to remedy this inequality.