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Sociodemographic mortality differences among the oldest old in Finland
T Martelin1, S Koskinen, T Valkonen
1Department of Sociology, University of Helsinki, Finland. Tuija.Martelin@Helsinki.fi
Summary
Mortality trends among Finnish elderly (80+) show higher education and nonmanual work correlate with longer life expectancy. Mortality declined across all groups, suggesting potential for further improvements in the oldest old.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Sociodemographic disparities significantly impact health outcomes and longevity.
- Understanding mortality trends in the oldest old is crucial for public health planning.
- Longitudinal studies are essential for tracking changes in life expectancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine mortality differences and trends by sociodemographic characteristics in Finnish individuals aged 80+.
- To identify factors associated with variations in life expectancy among the elderly.
- To assess changes in mortality patterns over a 20-year period.
Main Methods:
- Utilized comprehensive linked death and census records for the entire Finnish population.
- Applied Poisson regression as the primary statistical analysis tool.
- Analyzed data for individuals aged 80 years and over from 1971-1990.
Main Results:
- Higher education and upper nonmanual occupations were associated with approximately 1 year longer life expectancy at age 80.
- Married individuals, those in Western Finland, and Swedish speakers exhibited slightly lower than average mortality.
- Mortality declined across all analyzed subgroups during the study period.
Conclusions:
- Sociodemographic factors play a role in mortality patterns among the oldest old.
- The observed mortality decline suggests that further improvements in longevity are achievable.
- Continued monitoring of mortality trends is vital for evidence-based health policies.