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Gender differences in healthy life expectancy among Brazilian elderly
Ana Paula Belon1, Margareth G Lima, Marilisa B A Barros
1School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada. ana.belon@ualberta.ca.
Health and Quality of Life Outcomes
|June 8, 2014
Summary
Women live longer and experience more years in good health, but also face higher unhealthy life expectancy for mild/moderate limitations. Policy is needed to ensure equitable quality of life for all genders.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Examines gender disparities in healthy life expectancy (HLE) and unhealthy life expectancy (UHLE) among older adults in a major Brazilian city.
- Focuses on individuals aged 60 and above.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gender differences in HLE and UHLE.
- To analyze the quality of life in later years for men and women.
Main Methods:
- Employed Chiang's method for abridged life tables and Sullivan's method for HLE.
- Utilized 2008 household survey data on self-rated health and functional disability.
- Included non-institutionalized individuals aged 60+.
Main Results:
- Women aged 60+ live longer, with an average of 4 additional years in good health compared to men.
- No significant gender differences in HLE for global or mild/moderate limitations.
- Women experience higher UHLE for mild/moderate limitations, living 3.1 years longer with these issues than men at age 60.
Conclusions:
- Challenges the male-female health-survival paradox by indicating longer female lifespan isn't necessarily linked to poorer health.
- Highlights the need for policies to reduce gender gaps in life quality, promoting autonomy and independence for all.
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