Abstract
This paper studies gender differences in disability free life expectancy (DFLE), taking into account mortality and disability
contributions. After analysing the types of disability that account for such differences, it goes on to examine temporal variability
and age contributions to mortality and disability variation. The method used is an extension of Arriaga’s model proposed by
Nusselder. In 2005, disability free life expectancy at age 30 was 46.23 years for men and 48.74 years for women, with a gender
difference of 2.51 years. Decomposing this difference we find that the mortality effect is 3.70 years, while the disability
effect is negative and equal to −1.19 years. Ten years earlier, in 1994, DFLE at age 30 was 43.24 years for men and 46.55 years
for women, with a difference between genders of 3.32 years. This broke down to a mortality effect of 4.33 years and a disability
effect of −1.02 years. In conclusion, the gap in DFLE between men and women is narrowing, thanks to the more rapid drop in
mortality rates in men. With respect to disabilities women are disadvantaged, although the difference (in both total disability
and different types of disability) has been almost stable in recent years.
contributions. After analysing the types of disability that account for such differences, it goes on to examine temporal variability
and age contributions to mortality and disability variation. The method used is an extension of Arriaga’s model proposed by
Nusselder. In 2005, disability free life expectancy at age 30 was 46.23 years for men and 48.74 years for women, with a gender
difference of 2.51 years. Decomposing this difference we find that the mortality effect is 3.70 years, while the disability
effect is negative and equal to −1.19 years. Ten years earlier, in 1994, DFLE at age 30 was 43.24 years for men and 46.55 years
for women, with a difference between genders of 3.32 years. This broke down to a mortality effect of 4.33 years and a disability
effect of −1.02 years. In conclusion, the gap in DFLE between men and women is narrowing, thanks to the more rapid drop in
mortality rates in men. With respect to disabilities women are disadvantaged, although the difference (in both total disability
and different types of disability) has been almost stable in recent years.
- Content Type Journal Article
- DOI 10.1007/s10433-010-0173-1
- Authors
- Luisa Frova, Italian National Institute of Statistics, Viale Liegi 13, Rome, 00198 Italy
- Alessandra Burgio, Italian National Institute of Statistics, Viale Liegi 13, Rome, 00198 Italy
- Alessandra Battisti, Italian National Institute of Statistics, Viale Liegi 13, Rome, 00198 Italy
- Journal European Journal of Ageing
- Online ISSN 1613-9380
- Print ISSN 1613-9372